KUCHING: Mara Skills Training Institute (IKM) here has adopted five secondary schools to promote interest in technical education and give early exposure of technical training to the respective students.
The appointment of the five schools namely; SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg, SMK Santubong, SMK Bandar Semariang, SMK Petra Jaya and SMK Sungai Tapang was part of the programme in line with the nation’s objective to produce at least 40 per cent high-skilled technical workers in its workforce come 2020.
The current technical workforce is estimated at 28 per cent.
In addition, the skills learning institute has also appointed five panellists from various industries to monitor and provide consultation to ensure that its co-curriculum continues to meet the need of the current job market.
The appointment was also to raise the profile of Kuching IKM and turn it into one of the main preferences for students to pursue their higher learning and skills training.
The industrial panellists are Merinyu Engineering of the Public Utilities Ministry, TWI of ABM Training and Certificate Sdn Bhd, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Pro Auto Care Centre and AHRS Cargloss Malaysia.
IKM Kuching director Mahazani Ali said this yesterday at the launch of the institute’s ‘Strengthening and Inculcating of Technopreneurs Carnival 2012’.
“Various efforts have been planned to ensure that our students are always competent and able to meet the job market demands.
“It is also hoped that the organising of this carnival would be able to enlighten students in the fields of technical education and entrepreneurship especially when it comes to increasing competitiveness and promoting both fields,” he added.
Among those present were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Datu Len Talif Salleh who officiated at the event and state Mara director Shazali Salleh.
Mahazani also mentioned that the programmes were initiated to strengthen and inculcate technopreneurship among the youths and students in line with Mara’s motto “global education and entrepreneurship”. It is also in line with the state’s need in its Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) initiative.
Various programmes and student activities have been lined up for the carnival from Sept 10 till 16 such as workshops, exhibitions, courses, product launching, remote control car races, cooking competitions and many more.
IKM has 13 branches nationwide. Two are located in the state — Kuching and Bintulu. Established in 1984, IKM Kuching has produced over 8,000 graduates in mechanical, maritime, automotive and electrical engineering among other programmes.