UTM Partners with JTDC to Enhance Local Talent Development and Skills Training
On November 3, 2024, the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) was officially inaugurated at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. The JTDC is structured to tackle talent shortages in the Johor region by aligning workforce skills with the needs of industry, ultimately aiming to improve employability and job matching.
The Launch Event
The launch event was presided over by YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Menteri Besar of Johor, who highlighted the critical need for a robust local talent pipeline. Notable attendees included key figures from government and industry sectors, who underscored the council’s role in promoting intersectoral collaboration, particularly in enhancing graduate employability.
Dignitaries Present
Among the dignitaries present were YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education; YB Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Human Resources; and YB Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Haji Maslan, Deputy Minister of Works.
Partnership Exchange
During the ceremony, a symbolic partnership exchange took place, involving representatives from both the academic and industrial spheres participating in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was represented by Vice-Chancellor YBhg. Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, who signed agreements with Princeton Digital Group (PDG), GDS IDC Services, and Supermicro. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs & Alumni, also attended the event.
Collaborative Framework
The JTDC is designed as a collaborative framework that links higher education institutions, such as UTM, with industry stakeholders to enhance job placements and career readiness in sectors with high demand, including technology, engineering, and green industries. UTM has articulated its intent to play a key role in cultivating a skilled talent pipeline in Johor through this initiative.
(Source: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia News)
