Kuala Lumpur: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), in collaboration with Japan's Aichi Daihatsu Co Ltd, is currently developing an apprenticeship and job placement programme in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system, officially recognised by the Japanese government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is being carried out under MARA's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework. It aims to enhance the capabilities of students at Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM), particularly those pursuing a Diploma in Automotive Engineering Technology, to meet the growing demand for highly skilled talent both locally and internationally.
MARA deputy director-general (Education) Dr Mahzan Teh stated that through this programme, students will undergo three years of practical training, with various facilities provided by the company to support their learning and development. Students who successfully obtain the SSW certification will not only have access to job opportunities in Malaysia but will also be eligible to work in Japan, with competitive salary packages depending on their field and the employing company.
Dr Mahzan shared these details with reporters following the handover of teaching and learning equipment donated by Aichi Daihatsu. The ceremony, officiated by the company's executive officer Hiroshi Mizuno, was also attended by KKTM Masjid Tanah director Shabudin Said. During the event, Aichi Daihatsu presented a Perodua Myvi for student use in the Diploma in Automotive Engineering Technology program.
Further detailing the programme, Dr Mahzan noted that students will first undergo an interview session, scheduled soon, in addition to taking a Japanese language course to prepare for their time in Japan. The initiative aims to send between 20 and 25 automotive students to Japan each year to enhance their skills, particularly in technological advancements that can be adapted to the local industry.
The partnership with Aichi Daihatsu will also establish an industry-oriented training centre at KKTM Masjid Tanah, featuring a 'teaching factory' focused on the automotive sector. This collaboration includes technology transfer, training programmes for students and instructors, and the development of specialised courses aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
Dr Mahzan emphasized that the 'teaching factory' will serve as a reference centre for advanced training in the automotive sector, not only for MARA students but also for other TVET institutions across Malaysia. He also highlighted that the employability rate of MARA TVET graduates, including those from KKTM, exceeds 97 per cent, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers across various industries.
He further noted that all MARA TVET students are guaranteed employment through collaborations with local and international industry partners, including opportunities to work abroad. The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with enrollment at every skills institution under MARA, including KKTM, surpassing 100 per cent.