Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST), together with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), have initiated the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries.
The parties formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at enhancing industry-relevant talent to meet growing demands in high-value sectors.
Datuk Hanafi Sakri, deputy secretary general (industry) of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, witnessed the signing of the MoU by Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO of CREST; Naguib Mohd Nor, president of Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association; and Andy Lee Kuan Min, chairman of Association of Malaysian Medical Industries.
The Government, recognising the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries, has entrusted CREST with managing a RM30 million grant 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.
“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,” said Hanafi.
Structured to be executed within one year, the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries comprises four programs targeting essential facets of talent development within the industries.
The first program caters to the industry’s current workforce, offering opportunities for skills enhancement to remain competitive in the evolving job market. The grant also aims to train and place unemployed Malaysians equipped with technical skills required for employment in the aerospace and medical devices industry.
Additionally, the grant will bolster the technical capabilities of educational institutions in both sectors, closely aligning with industry requirements. This includes developing specialised learning and training curriculum modules centered on aerospace and medical devices technology, providing targeted technical training for academic staff and education institution employees, and procuring necessary tools and equipment for teaching and training activities.
The fourth program, the Finishing School, serves as an early intervention initiative 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 noted, “It is an honor 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 initiative not only bolsters industry capabilities but also empowers Malaysians across various socio-economic backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and national prosperity.
“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 said, “This upskilling grant will help accelerate the development of future-ready talents to fulfill 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.”
Andy commended the government’s decision to support the medical device industry through talent development initiatives. He said: “Having the right skilled talents in place will help build a talent pipeline and 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.”
Talent development is at the heart of CREST. Over the last 11 years, it has closely collaborated with universities and leading industry partners to deliver talent development programs, bridging industry gaps and providing students with vital skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the changing work environment.
Through this 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.
