KUALA LUMPU: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) under the Prime Minister's Department will put forth the proposal to expand Electric Vehicle (EV) courses to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to keep up with demands from the industry.
Its special committee chairman Datuk R. Ramanan said while facilities for EV in Malaysia have shown progress, courses pertaining to EV under the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) were still limited.
He added that the unit will also present the proposal to expand the Electric Automation Advancement Programme (EAAP) under the unit to not only Indian youth in the B40 category but also Malay and Chinese youth.
"I will discuss with the prime minister because if we take a look, the facilities (of EV) in the country provided by certain academies are complete and fully equipped.
"(And) if you see the Autotronic Centre of Excellence we are in today, they provide complete facilities (for students to enhance their skills).
"However, such facilities are not big and we need to expand it. Hence, I will discuss with the prime minister to expand programmes related to the EV," he told reporters after the launch of EAAP at the Autotronic Centre of Excellence, today.
Ramanan said this when asked whether the unit has plans to attract more youth to join the EV industry, such as creating more awareness among school students, nationwide.
The EAAP is a comprehensive talent development initiative that combines the fields of EV and the Automation Industry (AI) which is fully funded by Mitra and led by SG Education Group Bhd.
The initiative also aimed to equip students with the skills and knowledge which are required in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, particularly in electrical processes, automation technology and the integration of EV systems into various industrial sectors.
Meanwhile, Ramanan said the initiative for EV courses currently has 250 students, who will be awarded Level Three of Motor Industry (MI) certification from the United Kingdom, as well as a job opportunity once they graduate.
He added that the unit has also allocated a total of RM2.875 million to assist the students through the initiative.
"Every student will be given job opportunities with a minimum income of RM3,000 once they complete their courses.
"This is one way for us to lift these students out of the B40 bracket. I feel that not only this is an important initiative as we not only give them the skills, but also a job opportunity.
"There is no use if we provide them skills but with no job opportunity, hence, I also want to thank SG Academy for giving the students opportunity."
At the same time, Ramanan said the unit will also plan a framework to allow any participants to further their studies in the field.
"If there is a need and the students excel and want to further (their studies), we will definitely plan an opportunity for them and a path.
"(And) I will always leave this open for our board of directors to decide ways to move forward (for these students).