RPEL certification enhances quality of life for B40 income group, says Vignaesvaran

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KUCHING: The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) celebrated its Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) Convocation today at Connexion@Nexus, Bangsar South, with 309 graduates receiving their certification through the RPEL scheme.

With a total of 3,400 participants encompassing 456 ex-servicemen who have enrolled in the scheme since its inception in 2016, the RPEL initiative aims to recognise the experience, knowledge and skills of local workers gained from learning, whether formal or informal, with an awarding certification.

As such, the programme would also help to reduce the unemployment rate of the country which currently stands at 3.5 per cent.

Inaugurating and applauding the convocation ceremony, the Minister of Human Resources Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Jaem said, as outlined in the Eleventh Malaysian Plan (11MP), the Government continues to focus on enhancing inclusiveness and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians.

“An emphasis to develop the Bottom 40 per cent (B40) group, encompassing 2.7 million people, is aimed at increasing the per capita income of RM2,537 in 2014 to RM5,270 in 2020.”

During the opening address, HRDF chief executive Dato’ CM Vignaesvaran Jeyandran shared that the RPEL scheme is a cost-effective option to attain qualifications as it recognises experiences that are attained from work, life or previous study.

“In a nutshell, RPEL recognises skills and experience of workers who have no paper qualifications, reducing their financial burden by improving employability, and contributes to a better opportunity for high income and increases the percentage of high-skilled workforce,” he said during his address.

He concluded that HRDF will continue its efforts in developing quality local human capital through RPEL, thus boosting the Government’s aim to increase the overall household income of B40 towards improving the quality of life and well-being of the rakyat.

The HRDF received government funds to train 1,700 partcipants through their collaboration with the Federation of JPK Accredited Centre Malaysia (FeMAC) and the United Kingdom’s Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC) this year.

Last year, under a collaboration with Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (PERHEBAT), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with HRDF to introduce RPEL scheme to the ex-servicemen as an initiative to maintain the sustainability of life after retirement from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). The scheme is expected to benefit 600 ex-servicemen in ATM.