KUALA LUMPUR:  A new campaign is helping young Malaysians to learn how technical skills training can help them find good jobs in the Malaysian food processing industry.

Titled Cita Rasa Masa Depan- Menjelajahi keunikan dan kreativiti dalam industri pembuatan dan perkhidmatan makanan, the campaign, is a collaboration between the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Young Futuremakers Malaysia Project, the Standard Chartered Foundation and Persatuan Pusat Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Cochrane Perkasa, Kuala Lumpur.

Launched recently at Madrasah Babul Khairat, Projek Perumahan Rakyat (Cochrane Perkasa, Cheras), some 100 residents from the area had the chance to learn how Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opens the door to employment opportunities in the food processing industry.

Participants along with their parents learned about cake decorating during the interactive activities.

According to one of the participants only known as Rabitah, 18, she did not know anything about TVET although she loves doing practical activities. By attending the event, she can see the opportunity to further her studies in TVET.

During the event, participants heard from government and TVET officials, social media influencers and a former TVET trainee, a renowned chef and owner of a a culinary college, Chef Zam, following the completion of their training.

Inspiration dialogue session with Aidil Faizi Alias Talent Lead Acquisition, PERKESO, CEO & Principal Rich Talents International College, Chef Zam and moderator Aina Dalilah Asykin from UITM Shah Alam

Interactive activities such as resume writing and cake decorating demonstrations were also conducted during the event.

“Employability rates for TVET graduates in Malaysia are high and the food processing industry is expanding as well. We want young Malaysians to see TVET education in a new light and embrace the opportunities that it offers. Participants along with their parents learned about cake decorating during the interactive activities.

“Our message is simple – TVET education is the key to a good job and a bright future,” said National Project Coordinator of the ILO Young Futuremakers Project in Malaysia, Zharif Badrul.

The campaign, which will run for three months, will be amplified through online platforms, with the next physical event, scheduled to take place in Kedah in May.

Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid said, “This project forms part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative to tackle inequality by promoting economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people.

 “We aim to raise USD75 million between 2019 to 2023 globally to empower the next generation to learn, earn and grow. Futuremakers is delivered through community programmes focused on the themes of education, employability and entrepreneurship,” he added.

Deputy Secretary-General of Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC), Mohd Khairi Man, was also present at the event.

In addition to the awareness campaign, the project will also form strategic partnerships with government agencies, trade unions, employers’ federations, TVET institutions, as well as non-governmental organisations to provide skills training and post-training support to TVET students and young workers in the food processing industry.