Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST), alongside the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI), has introduced the Upskilling Grant for Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries. This initiative aims to bolster the talent pool in high-value sectors, catering to the increasing demand.

At the launch event, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry,Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Datuk Hanafi Sakri, along with representatives from CREST, MAIA, and AMMI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration. The government, recognising the significance of nurturing skilled professionals, has entrusted CREST with managing the RM30 million grant to spearhead the upskilling program.

“The government’s designation of the aerospace and medical devices industries as catalytic high-value sectors highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the industries’ growth. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant for these industries is a positive step in developing future-ready talent.

By strategically investing in upskilling programs, we enable individuals to thrive in these dynamic industries, fostering innovation and driving Malaysia towards sustainable economic progress in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,” he said.

Additionally, Hanafi emphasised the importance of developing a high-caliber workforce to propel the growth of the aerospace and medical devices industries.

The Upskilling Grant, aligned with the Malaysia Madani vision, aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in these dynamic sectors, fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic progress.

Structured to be executed within a year, the grant comprises four programs targeting essential facets of talent development.

These programs include upskilling the current workforce, training and placing unemployed Malaysians, bolstering technical capabilities of educational institutions, and implementing early intervention initiatives for tertiary education institution students.

CREST CEO, Jaffri Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to nurture a robust talent pool critical for industry competitiveness.

He highlighted the initiative’s role in empowering Malaysians across various socio-economic backgrounds and fostering national prosperity.

Mr. Naguib Mohd Nor, President of MAIA, and Mr. Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman of AMMI, commended the government’s support for industry-driven programs. They expressed optimism about the collaboration’s ability to accelerate talent development and attract investments to Malaysia.

Talent development has been central to CREST’s mission, collaborating closely with universities and industry partners over the past 11 years. Through this partnership, students gain industry-specific knowledge and skills tailored to the electrical and electronics (E&E) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sectors in Malaysia.