Kuala Lumpur, 30 May 2023 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) is championing the ever-growing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Malaysia through its National TVET Day 2023 celebration today. Since 2017 YSD has committed RM37 million in support of TVET education and will commit an additional RM29.7 million from 2023 to 2028 under the TVET Bursaries Programme.
The celebration saw the participation of more than 100 current and former TVET scholars, Kolej Vokasional students, representatives from the ministries of Higher Education, Finance and Human Resources, as well as TVET partners and community colleges, reinforcing YSD’s focus to place TVET firmly within the core of the foundation’s Education pillar.
YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, Minister of Higher Education (MOHE) officiated the foundation’s prestigious celebration, with the attendance of Datuk Johan Merican, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance. The event was hosted by Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, YSD Governing Council Member and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad.
YB Dato’ Seri Khaled praised YSD’s dedication to shaping the future of TVET education and in testament to YSD and MOHE’s strategic collaboration, the Minister said, “There are some existing obstacles surrounding TVET, but I am confident that these issues can be address simultaneously through the involvement of industry members through close and systematic coordination in the TVET ecosystem. Industry involvement will make the skills learned in TVET more relevant to industry requirements and thus indirectly build interest among the youth.”
Meanwhile, Dato’ Jeffri Salim said, “We firmly believe that investing in TVET education is crucial for Malaysia’s future. TVET scholars have the potential to be highly employable individuals in high-value jobs. Our scholarships aim to break down barriers and provide opportunities for talented students from all walks of life to pursue their dreams in TVET. By promoting inclusivity for B40 groups, persons with disabilities and women, we are building a more diverse and vibrant workforce that will contribute to the nation’s growth.”
Since 2007, YSD has committed RM37.4 million in scholarships, propelling 1,412 talented individuals on their vocational education journeys, and igniting a wave of change in Malaysia’s workforce landscape.
With a growing recognition of the vital role that TVET plays in equipping individuals with the skills needed for a competitive job market, YSD provides these scholars with access to the YSD exclusive programme known as YSD THRIVE – Rising Talent , where they are provided with soft skills training and industry exposure opportunities to increase their marketability post-graduation. Furthermore, YSD has emerged as a champion of inclusivity where the YSD scholarships are reaching and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from the B40 group and persons with disabilities (PwD). YSD’s commitment goes beyond financial assistance, serving as a catalyst for positive change, opening doors, and transforming lives.
As the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad, Sime Darby Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing talents, fostering innovation, and contributing to Malaysia’s overall socio-economic development. Through its scholarships and strategic partnerships, YSD will continue to ensure that talented individuals from all backgrounds have access to the resources and support they need in their educational journey. To date, YSD has contributed over RM401 million to award 5,416 students with scholarships since its inception.
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