SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting in motion its ambition to empower the next generation in skill-based industries.
It inked the pacts with Sibu Shipyards Association (SSA) and Huong Seng Motor Trading Sdn Bhd (Huong Seng) at its campus here Wednesday (Sept 13).
The MoUs were signed separately by UTS Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid with SSA represented by its president Ting Hua Ang and Huong Seng by its managing director Goh Kee Seng.
Among others,the MoUs are aimed at collaborating on education and training across the shipbuilding and marine industry, and to develop cooperation in the field of education and training specific to the automotive sector.
Besides, it is to create a strategic partnership to achieve common objectives of TVET (Technical and vocational education and training) in the field of transportation in the country.
Moreover, it is also to jointly organise SLDN/NDTS (National Dual Training System) Apprentice Programme accredited by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) of the Ministry of Human Resources.
Khairuddin pointed out the signing of MoUs marked a significant step towards a strong partnership and cooperation between an institution of higher learning and industry .
“We share common goals and commitment to address critical challenges facing our industry in particular and and the society in general. We would like to address and find solutions concerning the shortage of skilled workforce, particularly in the shipbuilding and automotive industries .
“But before we can address this issue, we must first understand the technological and business trends locally and globally. For example, shipbuilding nations have evolved from countries such as Great Britain, Germany and Japan, but now we see the emerging of new major players in South Korea and China.
“In 2022, China accounted for 48 per cent of global shipyard output, with South Korea at 25 per cent and Japan at 15 per cent,” he stated.
He said failure to modernise, slow to implement new technologies or being incapable of adapting to changes will lead to a loss in the already competitive business .
Quoting a research paper he said there are 31 shipyards in Peninsular Malaysia and 68 in East Malaysia .
In 2020, he said the Malaysian Ship Building and Ship Repairs (SBSR) industry generated a revenue of approximately RM7.36 billion and provided 31,000 jobs.
Since Sibu is considered one of the main centres of the SBSR industry in the country, he pointed out that SSA is well positioned to champion the future development of the industry .
“As an educational institution here in Sibu , UTS is ready to collaborate in advanced technology training and research to further enhance the skills of the workforce in the SBSR industry for SSA .
“As for the automotive industry, we have seen the technological development progressed very rapidly. The technologies have changed dramatically from the engine construction (using diesel and petrol), fuel and ignition systems, electronics and computer controlled system, engine control unit (ECU) and engine control module (EMC).
“Now getting popular are the hybrid, electric vehicle (EV) and the autonomous vehicles,” he said.
Therefore, he stated that in motor industry either for trading or maintenance and repair businesses, they also have to keep up with the technological change.
Towards thie end he said the new breed of automotive technicians must be able to diagnose complicated problems using sophisticated computer-based engine controlled systems.
Through this collaboration, he said they will work together to design and conduct relevant skill training programmes that will equip youth with the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s ever evolving job market.
“The signing of this MoUs signifies a new era of collaboration between academia and industry for the betterment of our industry, youth and the country.
“I am confident that together, we will empower the next generation of skilled and motivated individuals who will not only transform their lives but also contribute significantly to the growth and prosperity of our society,” Khairuddin added.
