Malaysian youth will be getting help with digital education; a multinational information technology firm is bringing the renowned P-TECH education model to the nation.
The collaboration is aimed at better connecting high school and university youth to industry leaders in an effort to develop stronger academic, technical and work-ready skills among Malaysian youth.
To enable this an agreement was inked between the company’s Malaysia branch, the Ministry of Education and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Currently, Malaysia is experiencing a shortage of ICT and STEM skills as a result of industries being reshaped by data science, AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity.
The 2019 Malaysia Salary Guide stated that Malaysia is facing challenges in building its digital workforce, as reflected in the fast-growing demand for digital talent despite a comparative shortfall in supply.
The Vice President, Tech Talent Development at MDEC stated that this collaboration will serve as an intervention at a crucial point in students’ schooling lives – the age of 16 – and will go a long way to bridge the gap and equip students with technical skills that are underpinned by essential communication basics to succeed in their careers.
Through the P-TECH model, high schools, tertiary-level universities, and industry partners collaborate to enable students to earn recognized university-level credentials that provide a direct path to competitive, in-demand STEM careers in all industries.
Students pursue tech-related Malaysia Vocational and Malaysia Skills diplomas in applied science, engineering, computers or other in-demand STEM disciplines, while simultaneously building professional skills through mentorships, site visits, and paid internships, culminating in interviews for appropriate job opportunities.
Established in 2011, P-TECH has been introduced in 24 countries including the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, Morocco, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand.
P-TECH is expected to reach 220 schools worldwide by the end of 2019, with more than 600 industry partners supporting the initiative. It is a response to the growing recognition that for many emerging, unfilled technology-related roles; flexible, relevant credentials and skills are paramount.
P-TECH students in Malaysia will be supported to complete a five-year structured programme at high school and in tertiary education.
Successful students will be able to step easily into high-growth, “new collar” jobs. These jobs are positions in some of the most rapidly-expanding industries, where having in-demand technical and professional workplace skills, adaptability and recognized credentials are what matter most.
Sekolah Menengah Vokasional (SMV) Sepang and SMV Sungai Buloh will begin pilot P-TECH programmes in 2020, with the tech firm and MDEC as strategic partners.
P-TECH education will begin for approximately 60 students in both vocational schools. The programme is expected to grow as more employers, high schools and tertiary-level universities join.
The partnership will see high schools, tertiary educational institutions and industry players collaborating to ensure work-readiness and develop in-demand credentials and skills that employers need now and in the future.
The tech firm expressed gratitude for the support it is receiving from the Ministry of Education and is excited to partner SMV Sepang, and SMV Sungai Buloh and MDEC to bring P-TECH to life in Malaysia.
The agreement will create new learning pathways directly to new collar jobs and help students better understand the connection between their coursework, field experiences and the workplace.
