KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Foreign Workers Employers Association (Pemaba) is responding to the Government’s call to engage in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to produce more skilled workers in Sabah.
Pemaba President Yacob Gabriel Samson said that they take the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s call seriously to choose TVET as a field that will create opportunities for the residents of this state to advance in their careers.
“As employers, we want to help provide quality and skilled workers across various industries to contribute to the economic and social development of Sabah,” he said when met recently.
In this regard, he said that Pemaba plans to establish the Asean Mini TVET Academy in Penampang, focusing on upgrading the skills of target groups including women, youth, marginalized communities, and the B40 category.
He noted that Pemaba has identified a suitable location to open the mini academy in Kolopis Penampang.
“This academy will offer technical and vocational training in TVET to rural communities in Sabah. Initially, we will provide training in cooking skills, handicrafts, automotive skills, and other industry-required skills.
“We already have a framework in place, including instructors, to implement this plan,” he added, noting that upon completion of training, students will be absorbed into the local and international job market.
Yacob, who also hails from Kg Kolopis Penampang, said that this academy provides a structured, legitimate, and impactful career pathway, where the National TVET Agenda 2030 ensures Sabah is ready to meet the growing demand for skilled labor.
He stated that from their initial meeting with IDS through its head, Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, last June, they also recognized the importance of aligning human capital development for the people of Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia
