Montfort Boys Town eager to develop more skilled workers for Malaysia as PM announces extra RM200m for TVET programmes
Malaysia’s longest-serving technical and vocational education and training institution, Montfort Boys Town, pledges to continue developing talents to meet the country’s demand for skilled workers.
The institution's most recent cohort saw 111 national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talents graduate from several programmes, namely hospitality, automotive, graphic design and multimedia, facilities maintenance, bakery and pastry, mechanical engineering and electrical.
The 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review objective aimed for a 35 per cent increase in the number of skilled workers across diverse sectors by 2025.
As of December 2023, there are only 29.6 per cent skilled workers out of 15.4 million workers in Malaysia.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will provide an additional RM200 million funding for the skill development TVET programmes.
He said this initiative reflected the government's commitment to enhance Malaysia's workforce capabilities through vocational training.
To ensure graduates are future-ready, Montfort is actively expanding its programme offerings and improving its facilities, with a specific focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI), particularly for the graphic design and multimedia department. Montfort has also formed partnerships for additional training and exposure through collaboration with Kolej Komuniti Selayang for 3D Modelling.
Montfort director, Brother Robin Devasagayam, said over 7,500 students have walked through the halls of Montfort and out into the working world over the last 64 years.
"I believe, like their seniors, this year’s graduates are promising future leaders," said Devasagayam.
"Their self-discipline and willingness to learn and evolve in this era of Industry 4.0 is highly commendable."
He said feedback from the supervisors during the internship program has been "very positive" indicating Montfort's graduates’ calibre and potential to learn and adapt to new challenges.
"This bodes well for industries looking to hire talent who are ready to contribute and grow," he said.
At its graduation ceremony on May 31, Jovine Lau Jie Ying, from the hospitality programme, was named 2024 Best Female Student of the Year. Sri Tharan Balayagam, from the electrical programme, was the 2024 Best Male Student of the Year.
The award was a culmination of Lau and Sri Tharan's excellence in both academic and extra-curricular fields.
“When I first arrived at Montfort, I expected to learn skills, but I found much more. They taught us independence, helping us become our best selves," said Lau.
"Winning Best Female Student of the Year came as a shock. I thank everyone who supported me during my two years here."
Sri Tharan said he has learnt leadership, time management, and the crucial skill of self-discipline at Montfort.
"My journey wasn't easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding," said Sri Tharan.
"To all the students out there, mastering self-discipline is tough, but it's your key to future success.”
Meanwhile, Aaron Moses Francis, a 2019 Montfort automotive programme alumni, credits the institution for instilling discipline, confidence, and a deep understanding of automotive skills through hands-on training and practical sessions.
Francis, who is currently pursuing a career as a customer service advisor for Auto Bavaria Penang, advises graduates about to enter the workforce to embrace continuous learning, arrive at work prepared, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.
As a non-profit TVET institution, Montfort pushes forward in its journey to prepare graduates for today’s modern workforce through partnerships with industry leaders including Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and HINO Motors.
Montfort is seeking more willing collaborators who are keen to share their industry-leading knowledge in the hospitality, automotive, graphic design and multimedia, facilities maintenance, bakery and pastry, and electrical fields.
It is dependent on public donations to continue its mission of providing vocational education and support to youths from underprivileged backgrounds. Over RM7 million a year is required to keep the institution in operation. All donations are tax-exempt under the Government Gazette No 106 of 1960.
For more information about supporting Montfort Boys Town and its vision to enhance its TVET capabilities, please visit https://www.montfort.org.my or contact +603- 5519 1735.
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