national industry dialogue 2009 - Jabatan Pengajian Politeknik

REPORT
NATIONAL INDUSTRY DIALOGUE 2009
“Workforce Development in a Changing Market by
Engaging Industries”
Date : 6 th October 2009
Time : 8.30am - 12.00pm
Venue : PICC, Putrajaya
Chairman : Y. Bhg. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin
Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia
Organised By:
THE DEPARTMENT OF POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION MALAYSIA

CONTENTS PAGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i
PREFACE 1
PROCEEDINGS:
Keynote Address : Workforce Development in a Changing Market by Engaging Industries 1
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin
Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia
Presentation : Malaysia Employment Outlook – Changing Market Trends 2
Mr Dhirendra Shantilal
Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific)
Kelly Services Inc
: Status Report and Feedback on Issues Raised during the Industry 4
Dialogue 2008
Y. Bhg. Dato’ Hj Imran bin Idris
Director General
Department of Polytechnic Education
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION 6
SUMMARY 12
CONCLUDING REMARKS 13
APPENDIX:
APPENDIX A – Survey Report
APPENDIX B - Photos

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The National Industry Dialogue 2009 in PICC, Putrajaya was the fourth dialogue organised by
the Department of Polytechnic (DPE), Ministry of Higher Education. The theme for this year’s
dialogue was ‘Workforce Development in a Changing Market by Engaging Industries’. The
objectives were to promote and strengthen industry-education collaboration so as to develop a
common understanding of the industry’s needs and how polytechnics and community colleges
can fulfill those needs for the national as well as the international market.
The Minister of Higher Education in his keynote address spoke on how engagement between
the industry and higher education institutions can be improved in finding better ways to work
together. With the current challenges posed by globalisation, the nation needs a highly
sophisticated workforce capable of facing the challenges at home and in abroad. Programmes
offered should be in line with the rapid changes in technology. The polytechnics are given
specific roles in producing competent technical workforce must clearly define their role and
relationship with the industry. This link will be mutually beneficial for both parties and would help
train students who will be both academically and industry oriented. The Ministry is in the
process of dividing the administration of the polytechnics and community colleges into two
separate agencies in order to improve the efficiency and performance of the both sectors. This
is part of the transformation of the Ministry and in order to ensure this change be successful, it is
crucial the industry as one of the stakeholders to champion the cause.
The next presentation entitled ‘Malaysia Employment Outlook – Changing Market Trends’ was
delivered by the Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific) for Kelly Services Incorporated. An
interesting outline on the skills needed to remain current in the evolving Malaysian workplace,
employment trends in Malaysia’s multi-sector economy and how skills and productivity can be
raised in a globalised environment were given.
The Director General of DPE in his presentation gave a brief review on the Technical Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) System in Malaysia. It was then followed by the status report of
the issues raised during the previous Industry Dialogue held in October 2008 and the Kuching
Industry Dialogue Luncheon held in August 2009. A brief account on the DPE’s Collaboration
Model and the establishment of Industry Advisory Committee were also given. Industry
collaborations are emphasised in all DPE’s activities in order to remain relevant.
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In the Question and Answer session, issues were raised on younger generations’ attitude
towards the work life, retaining workforce, lack of soft skills among graduates, work based
learning (WBL), lack of workforce in certain industry sectors, Malaysia Qualification Agency
accreditation of programmes, and bridging the gap between the academic world and industry.
From the issues raised, three pertinent points were identified as follows:
- Soft skills, entrepreneurship development and training in the institutions;
- Bridging the gap between school and work; and
- MQA accreditation of programmes.
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PREFACE
The National Industry Dialogue 2009 in Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC),
Putrajaya was the fourth dialogue organised by the Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE),
Ministry of Higher Education. The theme for this year’s dialogue was ‘Workforce Development
in a Changing Market by Engaging Industries’. The objectives were to promote and
strengthen industry-education collaboration so as to develop a common understanding of the
industry’s needs and how polytechnics and community colleges can fulfill those needs for the
national as well as the international market.
The dialogue was attended by 207 participants with 83 representatives from 56 agencies,
associations and public listed companies from the industry together with senior officers from the
Ministry of Higher Education, polytechnics and community colleges.
PROCEEDINGS
KEYNOTE ADDRESS : Workforce Development in a Changing Market by Engaging Industries
Presenter : Y. Bhg. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin
Minister of Higher Education, Malaysia
The National Dialogue 2009 is seen as a beneficial platform to better understand the needs of
the industry within the context of national development. The input collected was acted on and
continuous feedback and support from the industry in forums and dialogues are highly
encouraged. The engagement between the industry and higher education can be improved
through finding better ways of working together which demands great commitment from both
parties.
In order to thrive in today’s dynamic global economy, we need a highly sophisticated and
adaptable workforce, capable of facing challenges at home and abroad. Different higher
education institutions have different functions and roles to play. These education institutions
produce students of different skills. Polytechnics are given the specific role as the premier
provider of technical and professional education, producing a technical competent work force for
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the nation. The polytechnics must clearly define their role and relationship with the industry. The
roles played by polytechnics as knowledge developers in providing human resource for the
industry and the industry as human capital users and knowledge consumers providing the
professional and practical conditioning should be symbiotic. It is in the best interest of these two
entities to forge a strong relationship of mutual benefit to each other.
Recently, the polytechnic and community college have been separated into 2 different agencies
to improve the efficiency and performance of both sectors. In order to ensure this transformation
of the polytechnics is relevant in an era of innovation led change within the industry, it is crucial
the industry as stakeholders understand and champion the cause.
Presentation : Malaysian Employment Outlook-Changing Market Trends
Presenter : Mr. Dhirendra Shantilal
Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific), Kelly Services Inc.
Malaysia has celebrated 50 years of independence and is one of fast growing nation in the Asia
Pacific region with 11.2 million workforces. In line with the development, Malaysia needs to
produce more students who are competitive with technical and behavioural competency in
workplace, able to communicate, articulate and present ideas, able to think out of box and who
are creative. This would be a challenge for higher education institutions to incorporate these
skills. Therefore the academia must be forward looking and work well with the industry to
produce this excellent workforce.
Significant investment in education helps to develop human capital. There are now about 25
private universities and 20 university colleges in Malaysia. Within a short span of time, from
2005 to 2008, student enrolment in public and private higher education institutions has
increased by over 33% and 54% respectively.
The challenge for graduates is to ensure that their skills remain current and relevant.
Continuous skills education is essential in today’s world. In developing skills required in the new
knowledge-based economy, there is a part to be played by students, higher education,
employers and policymakers.
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The employment trends in Malaysia recognises the emergent hiring trends in the fields of
manufacturing (computer and peripherals, plastics in primary forms and semi-conductor
devices), healthcare, education, IT (outsourcing and shared services), telecommunications
(cellular and shared services), engineering (oil & gas, waste water management etc), green
technology, call centre, services (tourism and Islamic banking & finance), market research,
marketing, business development and accounting.
To meet the demand of the rapid growth of the nation, the academia and the industry must
prepare themselves for this new workforce.
Malaysia’s education system should continue to equip students with relevant skills sets and
training to prepare them for the global competitive landscape. This can be done by partnering
with industry leaders to offer job attachments, internships and career counselling to prepare
students for the work world. This dialogue can be a form of platform and this collaboration
should continue in years to come.
In addition, continued development of English in the Malaysian education domain is vital to
enable graduates to succeed in the global workplace. Effective and systematic training
strategies should be adequately planned, provided and evaluated to ensure that English
instruction adapts comfortably with the changing environment. Bahasa Melayu as the national
language together with English are equally important. English being the business language will
further allow students to compete globally.
The shift to knowledge-based jobs requires training, upgrading and talent development.
Opportunities for partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses in the private
sector and the government are important. In a nutshell, this kind of collaboration would form an
excellent and competent workforce.
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Presentation : Status Report and Feedback on Issues Raised during Industry Dialogue
2008
Presenter : Y. Bhg. Dato’ Hj Imran bin Idris
Director General, DPE
The Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE), Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia
(MoHE), offers Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the middle professional
and management levels for programmes in the fields of engineering, business and services.
The focus of TVET in the polytechnics and community colleges is post secondary education at
the certificate and diploma levels, to train technicians and skilled personnel. Full time
programmes at the diploma and certificate levels mainly caters for post secondary school
leavers. Polytechnic education gives emphasis on practical content and 6 months industrial
training is built into the curriculum.
DPE currently manages 27 polytechnics offering 49 diploma programs, 22 certificate programs,
12 foundation programs, five special skills programs and one advanced diploma program with
the total enrolment nearing 100,000 students. DPE also offers 21 part time programs and 89
customised programmes for the industry. The total number of staff in the polytechnics is 8,177.
The Industry Dialogue 2008 which was held in Putrajaya attracted 328 participants. There were
several issues raised. The first issue raised was the rating of polytechnic programmes. An
instrument known as the Star Rating Model developed by MAMPU will be implemented in 2010.
Premier Polytechnic(s) will also be identified by 2010 and Centres of Excellence/Technology
and Niche areas are being established.
The second issue raised was intensifying lecturers’ attachment with industry. Since the
lecturers’ attachment programme was started, a total of 449 lecturers have been attached with
381 companies. In 2009 alone, 61 lecturers underwent attachment in 59 companies.
The third issue pertains to intensifying guest lecturers from the industry. In the year 2008, 523
guest lecturers were invited whereas the number increased to 605 for the year 2009.
The fourth and last issue raised during the Industry Dialogue 2008 was joint certification
programmes. Existing programmes include CCENT,CCNSA, CompTIAA+, Database, Cisco
Academy, Design SQL and MCDST. This year an Memorandum of Understanding has been
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signed with Siemens (M) Sdn. Bhd. for the Siemens Certification in Mechatronics. To date, 10
lecturers have completed training in Berlin and another 10 are currently undergoing training.
Other on-going programmes include CAD-CAM, CNC, Welding, Automotive and Hospitality.
An Industry Dialogue Luncheon was held in Kuching, Sarawak in August this year. Several
issues were also raised. They were entrepreneurship in institutions, work-based learning to be
extended to Sarawak, the possibility of training of foreign manpower and the acceptance of
graduates by industries. All these issues are taken very seriously and DPE is working on them.
The DPE Collaboration Model involves industry input, the collaboration of industry-institution
and institution output. The industry feedbacks are from DPE’s industry advisory committee,
dialogues, seminars and networking sessions. The collaboration of the industry and institutions
are in the form of student industrial training, staff industrial attachment, industry lecturers and
other collaboration efforts such as Time Sector Privatisation, career/technical talks, curricula
development, work based learning programmes and joint projects/research. Meanwhile,
institution output is to promote employability, salary enhancement and provide manpower for
economy competitiveness.
Some of the activities conducted since the dialogue last year till September 2009 includes the
Life Long Learning Seminars and Logistics Seminars. DPE has also signed MoUs with 3
parties, namely, a shipbuilding company – NGVTech Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Association of Hotels
Kedah/Perlis Chapter and Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Majority of polytechnic graduates enter the workforce after graduation. By offering a wide range
of programmes and courses that lead directly to employment opportunities and articulation
pathway for progression to the university, TVET will no longer be viewed as a terminal
qualification but part of the framework that aims to promote and provide pathways, progressions
and complementarities between the different types of education and training.
The participants of the National Industry Dialogue 2009 are invited to strive together for
continuous improvement. Their support towards developing employable and entrepreneurial
graduates in the changing market is deeply appreciated.
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QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Panelists : YB. Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Timbalan Menteri Pengajian Tinggi (Chairman)
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran, Ketua Pengarah JPPKK
Tn Hj Shamsuddin Bardan, Pengarah Eksekutif MEF
Mr Dhirendra Shantilal, Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific)
Question 1: Ms. Diana Lee Geok Chin - Motordata Research Consortium Sdn Bhd
Suggestion: Break up sessions should be introduced in the later part of the dialogue session
so as the various sectors of the industry will be given the opportunity to present their needs.
MoHE and the polytechnics will then be able to have the necessary feedback to respond to
these needs. This will be a more effective approach as the discussion and sharing of
information will be more focused.
Response: Chairman
This suggestion is very useful and will be considered for the next dialogue.
Question 2: Y.Bhg. Dato' Esa Mohamed – Akitek Jururancang (M) Sdn Bhd
The construction sector which contributes 5% GDP is in dire need of sub professionals such as
clerk of works and site supervisors. There are at present only four polytechnics that offer the
diploma programme in architecture. Even though the Institute of Architects and the Construction
Industry Development Board do have training programmes for the construction sector, they are
still in sufficient. It is quite crucial for the construction sector to have more manpower. It is
suggested that polytechnics provide training for clerk of works and supervisors.
Question 3: Mr Abdul Razak Dawood – Proton Edar Sdn Bhd
Suggestion : The name list of students and graduates of the polytechnics can be published on
the MoHE’s website so that organisations can access for direct outreach.
Response: Chairman
This is a good suggestion.
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Question 4 : Mr. Teh Kean Ming – IJM Corporation Berhad
The Generation X and Y workforce today has different expectations of working life and all
organisations face the challenge of trying to instil into them interest and passion in the
workplace. A lot of employees are job hopping. Polytechnics should not only teach technical
content but also soft skills and “human side” qualities.
Response: Chairman
We are indeed faced with this new kind of graduates who have a different mindset. Loyalty to
life long service is no longer relevant and we must take this into account.
Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran
Before embarking on the 6 months industrial training students have to undergo a soft skills
module to enhance their readiness at their future workplace. In addition to the soft skills module,
they are also exposed to various co-curriculum activities which teach discipline and teamwork,
such as the mandatory Polibriged programme. There definitely is much more to be enhanced
and done.
Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Radin Umar Radin Sohadi, Director General, Higher
Education Department, MoHE
The Higher Education Department has developed an instrument to measure the presence of
generic soft skills attributes such as communication skills, problem solving skills, passion, ethics
etc in students at the point of exit. These attributes will enable the universities to look at the
teaching and learning taxonomies and the integration from the input will be outcome based. This
is part of the quality assurance in ensuring and enhancing graduate employability. The
department has been in discussion with DPE and certain skill sets for polytechnic students will
need to be finetuned.
Response: Tn Hj Shamsuddin Bardan
Job hopping always happen and the overall attrition rate in Malaysia at present is 2% with
electrical and construction sector at up to 8%. There are actually means and ways to prevent
job hopping. For example, the company should make clear to their employees the career paths
in the companies. Pro-active remuneration packages in terms of innovative incentives which are
performance based, non contractual remunerations given at any time or on a quarterly basis
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may be an alternative method. Other methods may be share option scheme and co-owned
retirement fund.
Question 5 : Mr. Teh Kean Ming – IJM Corporation Berhad
Further to Question 4, There seem to be the need for a mentoring system (one to one) to be in
place. The generation of workforce need to take a long term view.
Response: Mr. Dhirendra:
40% of the present workforce is from generation Y. Companies have to adapt to work and deal
with this new generation. This new generation is found to struggle when working in teams in the
actual workplace but do not have problems in a virtual environment. By showing a longer term
picture of prospects in the company, career paths and expectations made clear right from the
beginning, continuous professional development provided and not only promotion may be able
to bring about the passion, excitement for the job.
Question 6 : Mr. Ainual Azhar Bin Hj Jasmi – AJ Food Industries (M) Sdn Bhd
We are collaborating with the Community College in the work based learning programme for the
Diploma in Food Technology. We had a very good experience with the pioneer batch. However,
no students were sent to our company as the second batch and we had made plans and
preparations to receive the students. Why and what had happened?
Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran requested Mr Tajuddin Abdul Rashid, Examination
and Evaluation Division Director of the Community College Management Sector to give
an explanation.
Response: Mr Tajuddin Abdul Rashid
This particular programme is conducted at the Kolej Komuniti Sabak Bernam. There was very
good response for the first batch. However, the sector had difficulties in getting enough students
enrolled for the diploma course as the students after graduating from their certificate programme
started work and are reluctant to continue their studies. Therefore, only 13 students enrolled for
the second batch and this is the reason no students were place with AJ Food Industries.
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Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran
It is a growing trend that students are reluctant to leave their jobs once they start working as
they are afraid it might be difficult to find another job should they continue to further their
studies. The present economic crisis may be another contributing factor.
Question 7 : Mr Mohamd Fauzi Hassan (Magnificient Diagraph Sdn Bhd - Carrefour M’sia)
How do we build resilience in our graduates especially in the retail industry? They experience a
culture shock as facing customers puts them under pressure. Expectations of the company are
very high in terms customers satisfaction and it becomes a deterrent for them to remain in the
jobs. It may be good to catch them young by incorporating certain elements in the curriculum
while they are studying in building up their resilience.
Response: Chairman
The comments are noted. MoHE is trying very hard to tackle this issue.
Response: Tuan Haji Shamsuddin
We should be more innovative in running our programmes. For example, in developed
countries, the hotel and catering programmes, an actual hotel is used as the training ground
instead of using classrooms. This will reduce the culture shock in the transition from school to
work. This concept can be replicated for other industries. Investment may be high but as
charges will have to be less than the norm but should still be self-sustaining. Quality assurance
of course must be maintained and business professionally carried out.
Response: Chairman
Real work laboratories are worthwhile to look into especially best practices and new teaching
technologies in developed countries.
Question 8 : Mr Mahathir Mansor – Faber Group Berhad
Faber is a partner in the workplace based learning programme and find the programme have
many benefits as the students are in the actual working environment, have confidence after the
programme and are industry ready. Faber would like to suggest that the students should
undergo their one year stint in the industry right at the end of the programme so as to enable the
industry to directly absorb these students upon graduation.
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Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran
The department is looking into this matter.
Question 9 : Y. Bhg. Dato’ Meer Sadik Habib–Malaysian Retailers Association
Not many people understand the retailing industry and there are always problems in getting and
retaining staff as there is very little exposure to opportunities in this service industry especially
the mindset of working long hours and during holidays. There are great demand for staff in
supervisory roles, inventory and financial analysis. Gemmology is another area of great
potential. MoHE especially the community colleges should focus on these areas and work on
the mindsets of the students so that they really understand the importance of customers and will
be work ready. Staff pinching is another problem faced by the industry as the companies cannot
afford to pay initial high salaries.
Response: Ms Diana Lee Geok Chin- Motordata Research Consortium Sdn Bhd
The automotive repair industry also experiences of staff pinching and had to bring in foreign
workers. The Ministry of Human Resources run an apprenticeship programme whereby 70% of
the apprentice time is spend in the workshop with pay and another 30% of the time in the
institution. This gives potential employers the opportunity to gauge the performance of potential
employees.
Response: Chairman
The Department of Polytechnic Education should look into this area by referring to the work
based learning model.
Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran
The Department of Polytechnic Education looks forward to discussing further with the Motordata
Research Consortium Sdn Bhd on this matter. The department has embarked on similar
programmes in medical electronics.
Question 10 : Abdul Razak – Proton
Proton has been participating in the work based learning programmes for three years. However
Proton is losing these trained technicians as their diplomas is yet to be certified by the Malaysia
Qualification Agency (MQA). Without this recognition, Proton is unable to pay these technicians
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the salaries that commensurate with their qualifications and therefore these technicians go
elsewhere.
Response: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Haji Imran
We are in the process of getting the MQA certification.
Question 11: Mr Rohizan Zainal - KBU Singgahsana (PJ) Sdn Bhd
The problem of striking a balance and bridging between the academic world and the industry
exists. It would be beneficial to all parties if they can sit down for a serious discussion whereby
the real issues can be brought up and to ensure there is real participation from the industry in
the academic world especially for outcome based education in curriculum development and the
building of generic skills in the curriculum. MoHE should be the catalyst to get all this together
and a taskforce could be formed for the above purpose. More is expected from the polytechnics
and community colleges as they should focus on niche markets and psychomotor skills.
Assessment should be on skills training and not academically inclined, otherwise there will be
no difference between the polytechnics, community colleges and universities. Industry people
should also be involved in MQA as it is observed that the panellists in MQA are mainly
academicians. This lack of industry participation may become a stumbling block and this setup
should be revamped. Otherwise, the problems associated with the lack of work ready workers,
salaries etc will persist.
Response: Chairman
Dato’ Imran and his team would look into your comments and suggestions.
Response: Mr Mahathir Mansor – Faber Group Berhad
The work based learning programme’s curriculum used in our company with Ministry is planned
and developed based on our needs and is therefore industry driven and suited for the industry.
We are even planning to send our students to Abu Dhabi.
Response: Chairman
Different institutions have different views. There need to be effective collaboration between all
parties.
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Response: Mr Andrew Ong - Master Builders Association Malaysia
The Department of Polytechnic Education should train more hands-on technicians and
executives as many local companies are going overseas to carry out projects especially in the
middle east where the situation needs experienced and hands-on technical staff to lead the
workers there who are not really trained or are only semi-trained.
SUMMARY
Comment : Mr. Dhirendra Shantilal
Better collaboration between the academia and industry is needed. Learning is a life long
process and the industry should invest in their people with continuous training. Polytechnics
should come up with programmes that are industry driven and longer attachment for students’
industrial training. The challenges facing with younger workforce is global. Younger workforce
does not like to be monitored or told what to do. Companies should emphasis more on a project
based or outcome based approach in dealing with younger workforce and not so much micro-
managing. Soft skills should be embedded not only in polytechnics but should be done even in
schools.
Comment : Tn Hj Shamsuddin Bardan
New technologies such as green technology and renewable energy are fast growing areas and
there is a need to move towards that. There are still a large number of qualifications that are not
recognised nationally. We need to synchronise our act so that are efforts are co-ordinated with a
sense of urgency in order to fill the future needs of our country.
Comment: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Hj Imran bin Idris
Polytechnic education emphasises on work-related, hands-on programmes. The curriculum
consists of 60% practical content and 40% of academic content. The department will take note
of the need to improve soft skills in students, initiate more programmes towards the service
industry and work on MQA accreditations.
Comment: Chairman
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Looking into the polytechnics after 40 years, three or four polytechnics will be chosen as prime
polytechnics offering programmes at master skills level or even degree like programmes. This
will provide an avenue of ex polytechnic graduates who would like to further their training but
cannot follow the normal articulation pathway as the normal universities are very academic in
nature. This is part of the transformation MoHE has embarked on the role and functions of the
polytechnics.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Higher Education.
The Chairman thanked all participants for their support and interest in the dialogue. The
dialogue had been invaluable in helping build stronger ties between the industry and DPE.
Thus, the following issues raised will be taken note:
- Soft skills, entrepreneurship development and training;
- Bridging the gap between school and work; and
- MQA accreditation of programmes.
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