national industry dialogue 2009 - Jabatan Pengajian Politeknik

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
12