Lee (third right) and Zainal (second right) listening to a briefing at the workshop.
MIRI: Miri Small Scale Industrial Works Association (PIKM) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) to conduct an Automotive Electrical and Electronic Course in the city.
The short course, which is divided into Basic, Intermediate and Advance levels, will be conducted at IKBN. It is opened to everyone from apprentices to skilled workers.
Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the initiative would enable mechanics to stay abreast with the latest technologies, and this is important because car manufacturers are fast filling roads with electronic and hybrid vehicles.
“Today’s vehicles are going hybrid and have sophisticated electronic and electrical systems. Because of this, it is important and crucial for mechanics to know the latest technologies,” Lee said after witnessing the signing ceremony.
On a related matter, Lee urged the people not to doubt the standard of graduates from institutions such as IKBN.
“Many people still think that private institutions are far better than government ones. They fail to realise that the facilities and teaching at government-run institutions are better or at par with those in private institutions.
“Furthermore, the fees are much cheaper and reasonable when compared to those charged by private bodies.”
At the event, he announced a grant of RM5,000 for the association to help five handicapped and poor individuals take up the course.
Lee, who is also IKBN’s panel of advisory board member, said he was confident the institute at Bandar Baru Permyjaya would be able to produce quality graduates.
He also advised companies from other sectors, such as hospitality, to contact IKBN for specially designed short courses.
IKBN deputy director Zainal Abidin Nordin and PIKM chairman Charles Soo were among those present.