Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) will continue to spearhead the national productivity agenda in support of the 3.6 per cent annual productivity growth target under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a strategic focus on digitalisation, skilled talent development and regulatory reform. MPC People's Productivity Division director Mohamad Muzaffar Abdul Hamid emphasized the importance of technology adoption, workforce development, and regulatory reforms to enhance business processes and strengthen the economic ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Muzaffar highlighted the development of future talent as a priority, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). The plan includes increasing the proportion of skilled workers to 35 per cent and raising the average years of schooling from 11.1 years to 12.7 years. He stressed the need to expand the economy, improve wages, and enable the government to generate sufficient revenue for infrastructure development to boost productivity growth.
Mohamad Muzaffar also mentioned MPC's 'place and train' model, developed in collaboration with industry, government, and academia. This initiative places trainees directly in industries to enhance skills in line with sector needs. The academy-in-industry model aims to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry, with programmes designed by industry for industry and government recognition.
He stated that collaboration among four key ministries-the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Economy; the Ministry of Human Resources; and the Ministry of Higher Education, supported by the Ministry of Education-is crucial. A holistic approach involving the entire national ecosystem is vital, especially in high-growth and high-value sectors such as semiconductors, energy, and aerospace.
In the semiconductor industry context, the government targets an export value of RM1 trillion under the 13MP, necessitating a competitive supply of skilled labour for high-technology industries. Mohamad Muzaffar emphasized the need for a consistent supply of skilled workers to sustain industrial expansion and productivity growth.
Meanwhile, UWC Bhd deputy group chief operations officer Ng Sze Yen praised the Academy in Industry (ADI) programme, coordinated by MPC, for accelerating skilled workforce development in the manufacturing sector. UWC, involved in manufacturing activities supporting the semiconductor, medical, and telecommunications industries, faced a labour shortage during its post-COVID-19 expansion in 2023. The Academy in Factory (AIF) programme, implemented within the factory environment, was beneficial for UWC.
Ng stated that the programme offers Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates without industrial experience structured opportunities to venture into technical and engineering fields. Starting with 12 participants in 2023, the programme has grown to over 100 participants, aligning with UWC's business expansion. ADI graduates gain industry experience and learning simultaneously, enhancing their career advancement opportunities.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency