DPM: Putrajaya to focus on producing skilled manpower
ABU DHABI, May 8 — Malaysia is focusing on how the education system can produce skilled and qualified manpower for the future, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said this was because the on-going Economic Transformation Programme, initiated by the government, was projected to create 3.3 million new jobs which should mostly be filled by skilled locals.
“This is most important. English as a second language is important, Science and technology are equally important.
“So the education (sector) needs to move in tandem with the needs of the country,” he told some 250 Malaysians at a gathering with the Malaysian community here last night.
Muhyiddin (picture), who is also the education minister, said that with this in mind the government last week had made a decision for a review of the education system.
He said the National Education Dialogue would invite all stakeholders to submit views, ideas, proposals and suggestions to improve the education system.
He said the dialogue would be ready in three months and would come up with the first draft blueprint for an education roadmap for the next 10 or 15 years.
The current policies are based on the 1956 Razak Report.
“We must have a system of education that not only serves the interests of the community at large like now but (also) what is projected in the next 10 to 15 years,” he said.
He said skilled Malaysians working overseas too were encouraged to return home and help the country prosper and develop.
Muhyiddin is on a three-day official visit to the UAE. Earlier, he had an audience with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, General Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan.
“Sheikh Mohamed is very happy with Malaysians working in the UAE and credit goes to all of you. It is because of the good services rendered to help the city grow and they need these services and expertise,” Muhyiddin said. — Bernama
