Kuala lumpur: Parents are being encouraged to enrol their children with special needs, particularly autistic youth, in skills training courses offered by the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS). Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh emphasized the importance of this initiative, which aims to provide these youths with training and skill development opportunities that could help them achieve independence and contribute to society.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah Yeoh highlighted the benefits of the ILKBS programmes during her address at the 20th ILKBS Convocation Ceremony. She urged parents to take advantage of the free courses available, noting the success of the institute in training numerous young individuals each year. Since the introduction of special courses for autistic youth in 2018, ILKBS has seen 343 graduates complete their training, with 48 graduates receiving their certificates at the ceremony.
Minister Yeoh noted that ILKBS not only provides skills training but also fosters entrepreneurship among its alumni. Many graduates have started their own businesses, often returning to ILKBS to hire new trainees and share their expertise. She mentioned that the institute tracks the progress of its alumni, many of whom have become successful entrepreneurs and continue to support the institute's mission.
In her speech, Hannah Yeoh also highlighted the employability rate of ILKBS graduates, which has reached 97 percent. This rate significantly surpasses the original target, underscoring the effectiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in shaping the future of Malaysian youth. She emphasized the role of the Youth and Sports Ministry in the national TVET landscape, noting its involvement with the National TVET Council to ensure youth voices are considered in shaping national skills policies.
Furthermore, ILKBS is committed to providing specialized training for autistic and special needs youth through the Autism and Special Needs Youth Inclusivity Programme at selected centres. During the current session, a total of 3,240 ILKBS graduates will receive certificates in various levels across Peninsular Malaysia, with additional graduations scheduled in Sabah and Sarawak.