Kuala lumpur: WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB), established in 1990 as the Malaysian Skills Champion Competition, was the brainchild of the fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, before undergoing several rebranding exercises, namely the Anugerah Tangan Emas Perdana Menteri (1991-2006); MySkills (2007-2013); and WSMB (2014 to present).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, participants who emerge as WSMB champions will undergo structured development and training programmes in preparation to represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills international competition. The programme is implemented through the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) and CIDB Technologies, which are CIDB-accredited training centres equipped with training facilities and infrastructure that meet international standards.
CIDB Technologies Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Hafiz Dasahi stated that WSMB serves not only as a platform to showcase skills but also as a means to produce a generation of professionals poised to transform the construction industry. He emphasized the importance of investing in talent development to ensure the country's future competitive strength, stating that their priority is to develop training programmes aligned with actual industry needs, integrating the latest technology and producing graduates who are work-ready and capable of meeting international standards.
CIDB Technologies Welding head Zarulhakim Abdul Rahim highlighted the assessment criteria for participants, which include measurement accuracy, quality of workmanship, compliance with welding procedures, time management, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to occupational safety and health requirements. He noted that participation in the competition enhances technical skills while also fostering self-confidence, discipline, resilience, and exposure to international technologies and standards, better preparing participants for the workforce.
Industry perspective views WSMB as a significant contributor to producing a competent workforce that meets the needs of sectors such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy, and maritime. Zarulhakim added that the competition bolsters cooperation between training institutions and industry players to ensure the training provided remains relevant to technological developments and market needs.
Putra Faisal Ashraf Idris, a sales engineer at Lincoln Energy Sdn Bhd and Vinxus Mark Sdn Bhd, emphasized their shared responsibility to support young talent development in the welding industry. He expressed his commitment to providing support in terms of welding machines, equipment, consumables, and technical assistance throughout the competition to ensure participants gain experience that mirrors actual industry situations.
WSMB participant Ahmad Syafie Dasuki, 20, shared that his experience working at a workshop in Teluk Kalong, Kemaman, Terengganu, for almost two years had given him early exposure to welding. Participating in WSMB allowed him to refine his skills and prepare for the workforce by exposing him to various aspects, including the use of the latest technology, which he found significant in meeting industry needs.
Another participant, Muhammad Fazran Md Rashid @ Yusoff, 21, mentioned that the competition had enhanced his welding skills and knowledge. He expressed interest in further improving his technical skills and becoming an experienced worker, as the competition had built his self-confidence, discipline, and resilience.
Mohd Sahmi Irfan Sulaimi, 20, from Setiu, Terengganu, encouraged more youths to participate in WSMB, emphasizing the competition's benefits in building self-confidence, discipline, and higher-level skills. He urged participants to believe in their abilities, strive to do their best, and view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, highlighting the competition's role in enhancing skills, gaining knowledge from trainers and industry experts, and opening up career opportunities.