Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST), in conjunction with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), has launched the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries.
The parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership aimed at enhancing industry-relevant talent to meet the growing demand in high-value sectors.
The Government recognises the need for a high-calibre talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries in the country and has given CREST the mandate to manage a grant of RM30 million to champion the upskilling grant with both MAIA and AMMI.
“The government’s designation of the aerospace and medical devices industries as catalytic high-value sectors highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the industries’ growth,” commented Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
“The introduction of the Upskilling Grant for these industries is a positive step in developing future-ready talent. By strategically investing in upskilling programs, we enable individuals to thrive in these dynamic industries, fostering innovation and driving Malaysia towards sustainable economic progress in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,” he added.
The Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries is structured to be executed within one year. It comprises four programmes that are designed to target essential facets of talent development within the industries.
The first programme is catered to the industry’s current workforce. It offers opportunities for the existing workforce to improve their skill sets to ensure they remain relevant in tandem with the changing demands of the industry and remain competitive in the employment environment.
The grant is also designed to train and place unemployed Malaysians who will be equipped with the technical skills required for employment in the aerospace and medical devices industry.
Additionally, the grant is tailored to bolster the technical capabilities of educational institutions in both sectors, aligning closely with industry requirements.
This includes the development of specialised learning and training curriculum modules centred on aerospace and medical devices technology, the provision of targeted technical training for academic staff and education institution employees in these domains, and the procurement of necessary tools and equipment to facilitate teaching and training activities.
The fourth programme, the Finishing School stands as an early intervention initiative specially designed to equip tertiary education institution students with essential skills and knowledge vital to the aerospace and medical devices industries.
This collaborative effort will be led by CREST, AMMI, and MAIA in partnership with relevant companies and educational institutions within these sectors.
Commenting on the strategic collaboration, Jaffri Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of CREST, said, “It is an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing a robust talent pool critical for the growth and competitiveness of the aerospace and medical devices industry.
“This competitiveness relies upon the cultivation of a skilled workforce, reflecting the principles of Malaysia Madani which aims to elevate the quality of life for Malaysians by enriching and enhancing their skill sets to be relevant and globally competitive,” he said.
Ibrahim also stated, “This initiative not only bolsters industry capabilities but also empowers Malaysians across various socio-economic backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and national prosperity.”
He added, “CREST is hopeful that our partnership with the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries will continue to strengthen as we move forward together, empowering both industry sectors and individuals with the necessary skill sets to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness, achieve sustainable growth, and advance towards becoming a high-income nation.”
Naguib Mohd Nor, President, Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association said,” We thank the government for incentivising industry-driven programs for the aerospace industry.”
“This upskilling grant will help accelerate the development of future-ready talents to fulfil the growing demand in the thriving sector. We look forward to this strategic collaboration with CREST to champion the development of talents in our quest to make Malaysia an attractive destination for investors,” he said.
Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) added, “We applaud the government’s decision to support the medical device industry through the talent development initiative. Having the right skilled talents in place will help build a talent pipeline and be able to attract potential global medtech investors while powering the economy.”
“We believe this strategic collaboration with CREST will further enhance our quest to have a skilled and empowered workforce to support the growth of the medical devices industry,” he said.
Talent development is at the heart of CREST. Over the last 11 years, it has worked closely with universities and leading industry partners to deliver a range of talent development programmes.
These programmes are structured to bridge industry gaps and provide students with vital skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the changing work environment.
Through the strategic partnership, CREST has developed a network of experts, enabling students to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills tailored to the electrical and electronics (E&E) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sectors in Malaysia.
