PUTRAJAYA, The employability rate of graduates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) certified centres rose to 72.3% in 2022, compared to 66.3% in 2021.
In a statement today, KPKM announced that since 1969 to date, the ministry has successfully produced 24,801 graduates through its training centres.
“The increase in skilled manpower in the agri-food sector can further enhance the competitiveness of the country’s agri-food industry in the global market, ensuring food supply sustainability,” KPKM said in conjunction with the 2024 Agricultural Convocation ceremony held in Putrajaya.
The ceremony, which saw 982 graduates receiving their certificates and diplomas, was officiated by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
KPKM stated that the graduates encompassed nine skill certification areas, including crops, ruminant farming, marine aquaculture, and rice production, as well as three certifications from the ministry’s departments, namely the Agricultur
e Certificate, Malaysian Veterinary Certificate, and Fisheries Certificate.
In line with the ministry’s aspiration to implement and cultivate the National Innovation for Agri-Food Security of the People (PINTAR), graduates from KPKM certified centres are equipped not only with technical skills but also with entrepreneurial knowledge.
This dual focus aims to add value to their employment prospects or serve as a foundation for becoming successful agri-food entrepreneurs, it said.
In the same statement, Arthur emphasised that KPKM supports the national vision of developing a Malaysia MADANI while ensuring the transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution through the enhancement of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
“To ensure that all skilled graduates remain relevant in the agricultural industry, it is crucial for the government to strengthen the digital economy network nationwide by implementing various strategic frameworks and action plans. This includes the development a
nd reinforcement of TVET programmes under KPKM’s supervision,” he said.
Arthur also noted that the ministry has allocated RM26.3 million for infrastructure maintenance at KPKM certified centres to provide trainees with well-maintained facilities and support 14 development programes nationwide.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
