Day: May 31, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The construction industry needs to adopt digital technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), to reduce reliance on low-skilled foreign workers.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stated that this would not only empower local contractors but also help bridge the productivity gap, ensuring they remained competitive on the international stage.

‘The construction sector is a key driver of the nation’s economic growth. Therefore, I highly welcome the ongoing efforts of the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). As an organisation, MBAM has not only witnessed the evolution of the construction industry but also acted as a catalyst for changes that have driven the Malaysian construction industry forward.

‘I also urge industry players to widely implement digital technology such as AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in project management, in line with current developments,’ he said.

He made these remarks while spea
king at the 70th Anniversary Dinner of MBAM tonight.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, praised MBAM’s active participation in various technical committees and its work related to policy formulation and programme implementation.

‘In fact, I am aware that many of the industry’s best practices have been initiated by the industry players themselves with the objective of enhancing the performance of the construction industry in Malaysia.

“It should be noted that the dynamics of the construction industry will continue to evolve and the challenges ahead will undoubtedly be greater. However, I hope that MBAM and all its members will not hesitate to embrace change in the era of Industry 4.0 and continue to look forward,” he said.

With the expertise gained from past experiences, Fadillah expressed confidence that MBAM will lead the transformation and development of available resources in innovation, knowledge and efficiency, while enhancing the industry’s performance
in various critical areas.

Fadillah acknowledged that the construction industry heavily relies on the concerted efforts of the government, the Ministry of Works, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the Ministry of Finance, and all relevant stakeholders to elevate the industry to a higher level of professionalism.

‘In line with MBAM members’ efforts to continue advancing in the construction industry, the government will also provide advice, expertise and support to industry players in addressing current issues raised to speed up economic growth,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUCHING, Sarawak is set to engage with international companies from Arab nations to explore collaborative opportunities in the green energy sector, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said the recent visit by European Union (EU) ambassadors to Sarawak, who expressed their willingness to collaborate in this sector, reflects the confidence of foreign investors in Sarawak’s commitment and direction towards developing an economy based on the utilisation and production of green energy, in alignment with global climate change mitigation efforts.

‘I am very confident that if these projects and other initiatives come to fruition by 2030, the people of Sarawak will have the opportunity to secure high-paying jobs, thereby reinforcing Sarawak’s status as a developed and high-income region.

‘Also, there are several proposed development programmes and projects extending to 2050 that will ensure Sarawak’s continued progress beyond 2030,’ he said in his message for the Gawai Dayak 2024 celebration, which tak
es place tomorrow.

Abang Johari said his recent working visit to Seoul was fruitful, with a South Korean company proposing to build an integrated green energy facility through the Sarawak New Energy Hub (SNEH) project in Bintulu, with the project cost estimated to reach US$460 billion (RM2.158 trillion) by 2050.

He said the company is among three Korean firms set to collaborate on the H2biscus project in Bintulu, which aims to produce hydrogen and ammonia as clean fuels.

In conjunction with the festive season, Abang Johari called on the Dayak community to foster unity and shape a future together with other communities in Sarawak.

‘I urge the Dayak community to break down barriers and embrace progressive and dynamic thinking in this era, which is full of challenges yet abundant with opportunities for advancement.

‘Sarawak is on the right path to becoming a developed and high-income region by 2030, with various initiatives implemented by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Sa
rawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, in his message for the Gawai Dayak 2024 celebration, reiterated GPS’s commitment to rural development through policies aimed at narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas.

He pointed to the establishment of nine regional development agencies, such as the Sri Aman Development Agency, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency, as firm evidence of the GPS government’s dedication to rural development.

‘This is to ensure that rural areas will attain development status by 2030. This fits in perfectly with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) that targets economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability by 2030.

He said Sarawakians should celebrate the existing unity, harmony and cooperation during this festive season, in line with Sarawak’s ‘Segulai Sejalai’ slogan, which means together with each other.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates can apply for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses under the supervision of the Labour Department till June 9, the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) said today.

The ministry said that the Labour Department provided TVET courses at the certificate, diploma and advanced diploma level to produce skilled and semi-skilled workforce.

“There are 32 Labour Department training institutes throughout the country that offer over 50 programmes and 112 courses to school leavers,’ KESUMA said, adding that SPM graduates who were offered TVET courses also could apply for Islamic skill training loans provided by the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) for skill training courses accredited by the Skill Development Department and registered with PTPK.

Meanwhile, Level-Three Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) graduates can apply for TVET courses till June 11, the ministry said.

SPM graduates can apply via the UPUOnline system while Level-Three SK
M graduates can apply via the UP-TVET portal at https://mohon.tvet.gov.my.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency