CREST, MAIA and AMMI launch US$6.4m grant to nurture aerospace and medical devices talent

• Designated as catalytic high-value sectors, nurturing skilled workforce critical
• Targeted technical training for academic staff and education institutions

Recognizing the need for a high-caliber talent pool to boost the aerospace and medical devices industries, the Malaysian government has given Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (CREST) a grant of US$6.4 million (RM30 million) to manage talent upskilling.

Subsequently, CREST has partnered with the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) to launch the Upskilling Grant for the Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries. The parties also signed a MoU to formalize their partnership aimed at enhancing industry-relevant talent.

Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General (Industry), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry witnessed the MoU which was signed by Jaffri Ibrahim, CEO, CREST; Naguib Mohd Nor, President, MAIA; and Andy Lee Kuan Min, Chairman, AMMI.

“The government's designation of the aerospace and medical devices industries as catalytic high-value sectors highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support the industries’ growth. The introduction of the Upskilling Grant  is a positive step in developing future-ready talent,” said Hanafi.

“By strategically investing in upskilling programs, we enable individuals to thrive in these dynamic industries, fostering innovation and driving Malaysia towards sustainable economic progress in tandem with the Malaysia Madani vision,” Hanafi added.

Four programs target essential facets of talent development

The Upskilling Grant is structured to be executed within one year. It comprises four programs that are designed to target essential facets of talent development within both industries.

The first program is catered to the current workforce. It offers opportunities for them to improve their skill sets to ensure they remain relevant in tandem with the changing demands of the industry and remain competitive.  The grant is also designed to place unemployed Malaysians in the aerospace and medical devices industry by equipping them with the relevant technical skills.

Additionally, the grant is tailored to bolster the technical capabilities of educational institutions in both sectors, aligning closely with industry requirements. This includes the development of specialized learning and training curriculum modules centered on aerospace and medical devices technology, the provision of targeted technical training for academic staff and education institution employees in these domains; and the procurement of necessary tools and equipment to facilitate teaching and training.

The fourth program, the Finishing School stands as an early intervention initiative specially designed to equip tertiary institution students with essential skills and knowledge vital to the aerospace and medical devices industries. This collaborative effort will be led by CREST, AMMI, and MAIA in partnership with relevant companies and educational institutions within these sectors.

Robust talent pool critical for growth and competitiveness

Jaffri said, "It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing a robust talent pool critical for the growth and competitiveness of the aerospace and medical devices industry. This competitiveness relies upon the cultivation of a skilled workforce, reflecting the principles of Malaysia Madani which aims to elevate the quality of life for Malaysians by enriching and enhancing their skill sets to be relevant and globally competitive."

He expressed the hope that CREST’s partnership with MAIA and AMMI will continue to strengthen as they move forward, empowering both industry sectors and individuals while enhancing Malaysia's competitiveness as it advances towards becoming a high-income nation.

Naguib said, ”This upskilling grant will help accelerate the development of future-ready talents to fulfil the growing demand in the thriving sector.  We look forward to this collaboration with CREST to champion the development of talent in our quest to make Malaysia an attractive destination for investors.”     

Andy Lee stressed the importance of having the right skilled talent in place which in turn will help build a talent pipeline and attract potential global medtech investors. “We believe this strategic collaboration with CREST will further enhance our quest to have a skilled and empowered workforce to support the growth of the medical devices industry.”

Talent development is at the heart of CREST. Over the last 11 years, it has worked closely with universities and leading industry partners to deliver a range of talent development programs. These programs are structured to bridge industry gaps and provide students with vital skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the changing work environment.

Through the various strategic partnerships, CREST has developed a network of experts, enabling students to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills tailored to the electrical and electronics (E&E) and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sectors in Malaysia.