KUALA LUMPUR, 18 November 2024 – Yayasan TM (YTM) officially launched its "Yayasan TM TVET Madani" initiative, a comprehensive collaboration aimed at enhancing the employability and skill sets of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) graduates. This initiative underscores YTM's commitment to supporting the government's call for industry players to play a crucial role in improving the employability rate and contributing to the nation's digital transformation.

YTM committed RM3.5 million over the next three years to drive this collaborative effort. RM1.5 million will be used to sponsor the fees of deserving TVET students. Additionally, RM1.5 million was invested in enhancing digital and fibre network labs across four key institutions while another RM500,000 was spent to develop new modules designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the needs of the industry.

Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Director of YTM commented, "We believe that the future of Malaysia lies in the hands of our youth, and their education is a cornerstone of our nation’s progress. This initiative represents more than just an investment in education and talent - it is a powerful example of what can be achieved through effective private-public partnerships. By working closely with the government and educational institutions, we are creating opportunities that not only align academic learning with industry needs but also nurture the digital talent crucial for the nation’s growth. This is in line with TM's aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped with the skills and innovation mindset to thrive in the digital economy.”

The launch ceremony, held at Politeknik Ungku Omar (“PUO”) in Perak, was officiated by YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education. He visited the refurbished digital lab at PUO and proceeded to simultaneously inaugurate the other three digital and fibre labs at Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah (Selangor), Politeknik Mersing (Johor) and Kolej Komuniti Ampang (Kuala Lumpur).

“YTM celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and since its establishment, educational excellence has been its focus. YTM supports Malaysia’s digital education agenda and prioritises education equality for all. By leveraging these partnerships, we can create a greater impact within the community and drive Malaysia forward in the digital age. This aligns with the global agenda of UN Sustainable Development Goals," added Ainol.

Recognising the importance of employment opportunities, YTM has also committed to facilitating job placements for up to 400 TVET graduates annually. The enhanced TVET curriculum offers various industrial certifications, including cybersecurity (CompTIA Security+), software testing (ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level), and cloud computing (Cloud Alpha Edge) through the Digital Lab. Under the Fibre Lab certification, students will receive training in CA-1C (Internal Fibre Network), CA-2C (External Fibre Network), and pole proficiency.

By equipping TVET graduates with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the digital economy, YTM is playing a pivotal role in shaping a future-ready workforce that will power a more digital nation.