Proton has received the accreditation by the Ministry of Human Resources and Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran – JPK) as a one-stop centre for the National Dual Training System (Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional – SLDN) programme.
YB Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Anak Jaem, Minister of Human Resources, presented the accreditation certificate to YBhg Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of Proton, as a recognition to Proton. Also present at the ceremony were YBhg Dato’ Mohd Sahar Darusman, Deputy Secretary General (Policy & International) of the Ministry, En Nidzam Kamarulzaman, Director General of JPK, and YBhg Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
The Human Resources Minister had earlier handed out the Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia -DLKM) to 30 recipients and witnessed the signing of an MoU between Proton and JPK for this long term development of skilled workers programme. Another 25 individuals were also awarded with Yayasan Proton scholarships to pursue their Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia – SKM).
The SKM is a formal nationally recognised certificate issued by the Government to individuals who have achieved the required capabilities to practice and are equipped with competencies to perform tasks and functions for employment. Adopted in the 10th Malaysia Plan as the single Skills / Vocational Certification for the country, there are now 13 recognised and approved schemes of services by the Public Service Department of Malaysia, for skilled position in the civil service. To enhance the recognition of skills qualification, the SKM will become a mandatory qualification to specific and selected jobs.
“In line with the Government’s aim to transform the technical and vocational education and training, the programme that we implemented is a testament of the Company’s commitment in developing and producing more skilled workers. As a national car manufacturer, our duty is not just to build cars but to be one of the key drivers of human capital development. Over the years, through technology transfer with strategic and technical collaborations has seen an accelerated learning curve for Proton and its employees. With the exposure, they are not only invaluable to us but also to the rest of the community in the industry. This is part of our corporate social responsibility to provide our employees with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills,” said Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
In skills development, it is not new for Proton as the collaboration between Proton and JPK has been established for over 24 years in the field of Automotive Technology. The World Skills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) is organised annually to provide the right training skills to the youths and promote the best in innovation at the national level, and subsequently for them to compete at the ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC) and World Skills Competition (WSC).
Under the Malaysian Skills Certification System of JPK, there are 5 levels of skills which are recognised qualifications to specific and selected jobs. A total of 207 Proton employees have achieved the SKM, Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) and DLKM. These qualifications, SKM, DKM and DLKM, are rated as levels 3, 4 and 5, respectively, by the JPK.
“Proton has seen the positive effects of these trainings on our employees in terms of effectiveness and quality of work. Today, with 30 employees graduating under the Advanced Diploma Programme, and 35 to be recognized as approved internal SLDN trainers, demonstrate a commendable achievement for Proton in its effort to further improve to enhance its products and services. In addition, Proton has also been accredited as the one-stop centre of SLDN by the Ministry of Human Resources,” added Dato’ Fuaad.
At the event, Proton also signed an MOU with Akademi Saga (AS). The MoU will see the two parties form a mutually beneficial partnership in the enhancement of skills among the students of AS in relevant courses by ensuring that the courses are moderated by both parties, in accordance with JPK’s approved modules. Proton will also provide venues for the students’ practical training; the development and periodical reviews of the curriculum, modules and training syllabus used in the programmes; providing proper teaching aids and equipment as required by industry standards; and the exchange of latest information, updates and technological developments in the field of automotive. Subject to terms and conditions, AS students excellent results will be given preference to join Proton as employees upon completion of the programme.
“For those 25 recipients of Yayasan Proton scholarships into Akademi Saga, we believe it will motivate them to study hard and learn as much as they can to become competent automotive professionals in the near future. Knowledge is important, but putting the knowledge to good use is priceless,” Dato’ Fuaad added further.
