Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Malaysia, as announced in a recent press statement. This collaboration aims to address the growing need for skilled labor in the automotive coating industry, a vital sector in Malaysia's economy.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive plan to implement various training programs for 240 MARA students and 37 lecturers. With the support of Nippon Paint experts, the focus will be on auto-refinishing skills that are highly relevant to the automotive sector. As part of the initiative, up to 24 selected MARA training centers will be accredited as certified Nippon Paint training centers. This accreditation will ensure that the education provided aligns with industry standards and meets the current market demands.
The automotive industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, achieving a record-high production of 799,731 vehicles in 2023. Consequently, developing a highly-skilled TVET workforce and quality automotive parts is crucial for sustaining growth in this sector.
Significantly, the employability rate for TVET graduates in Malaysia has risen sharply from 65.5% in 2010 to an impressive 94.0% in 2023, surpassing the employability rate of non-TVET graduates. This surge highlights the effectiveness of TVET in preparing students for the workforce.
The MoU signing took place during the TVET Expo at MITC Melaka and was graced by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development. His presence underscored the government's commitment to enhancing vocational education and aligning it with industry needs.
Ir. Mohd Nizam Mokhri, representing MARA and serving as the Deputy Director of the External and International Relations Branch, Skills & Technical Division, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He stated, “In line with the National TVET Policy 2030 aimed at producing skilled human capital imbued with national values, collaborations with industry leaders such as Nippon Paint are timely. These partnerships equip young Malaysians with industry-relevant skills and enable us to advance sectors like the automotive coating industry”.
Mr. Tay Tze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint, remarked, “This MoU marks a significant milestone for Nippon Paint as we continue to invest in the future of Malaysia’s workforce and automotive industry. In the highly competitive automotive refinishing segment, we strive to set new industry standards with high-quality coatings that offer both aesthetic appeal and enhanced protection for vehicles”.
Founded in 1967, Nippon Paint Malaysia is a part of Japan’s Nippon Paint Group, which boasts a presence in 22 countries and a heritage of over 130 years, dating back to 1881 in Japan. This partnership with MARA represents a significant step towards nurturing a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
