36 Years On, WSMB Continues To Produce Construction Industry Talent

By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli

The first in a series of reports on WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) looks at how the more-than-three-decade-old skills competition remains relevant in producing competent and competitive talent capable of meeting international standards in line with current technological developments.

KOTA BHARU, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB), established in 1990 as the Malaysian Skills Champion Competition, was the brainchild of the fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, before undergoing several rebranding exercises, namely the Anugerah Tangan Emas Perdana Menteri (1991-2006); MySkills (2007-2013); and WSMB (2014 to present).

Participants who emerge as WSMB champions will undergo structured development and training programmes in preparation to represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills international competition.

The programme is implemented through the Malaysian Construction Academy (ABM) and CIDB Technologies, which are CIDB-accredited training centres equipped with training facilities and infrastructure that meet international standards.

CIDB Technologies Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Hafiz Dasahi said WSMB was not merely a platform to showcase skills but also a platform for producing a generation of professionals who would drive the transformation of the construction industry.

“We believe that investment in talent development today will determine the country’s competitive strength in the future.

“Our priority is to ensure that every training programme is developed based on actual industry needs, integrates the latest technology and produces graduates who are work-ready, high-performing and capable of meeting international standards,” he told Bernama recently.

DEVELOPING SKILLED WORKFORCE

CIDB Technologies Welding head Zarulhakim Abdul Rahim said participants were assessed on various aspects, including measurement accuracy, quality of workmanship, compliance with welding procedures, time management, problem-solving abilities, as well as adherence to occupational safety and health requirements.

“Besides enhancing their technical skills, they also develop self-confidence, discipline, resilience and the drive to continually achieve higher standards.

“Taking part in this competition also exposes them to international technologies, processes and standards, making them better prepared to enter the workforce,” he said.

He said from an industry perspective, WSMB helped produce a workforce that was truly competent and met the needs of the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy and maritime sectors.

“The competition also strengthens cooperation between training institutions and industry players to ensure that the training provided remains relevant to technological developments and market needs,” he said.

Putra Faisal Ashraf Idris, a sales engineer (Welding Technology) at Lincoln Energy Sdn Bhd and Vinxus Mark Sdn Bhd, said that as companies involved in the welding industry, they had a shared responsibility to support the development of young talent.

“We want to help produce a skilled workforce that not only possesses knowledge but is also capable of using technology and equipment according to current industry requirements.

“We will provide support in terms of welding machines, equipment, consumables and technical assistance throughout the competition because we want to ensure that participants can use suitable equipment and gain experience that closely mirrors actual industry situations,” he said.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

WSMB participant Ahmad Syafie Dasuki, 20, said his experience working at a workshop in Teluk Kalong, Kemaman, Terengganu, for almost two years had given him early exposure to welding.

“By taking part in WSMB, I have been able to hone my skills to go further and prepare myself for the workforce, as I have been exposed to various aspects, including the use of the latest technology.

“The impact of this competition has been significant for me as it meets the actual needs required by the industry,” said the youngest of eight siblings from Tumpat, Kelantan.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Fazran Md Rashid @ Yusoff, 21, said his participation in the competition had enhanced his skills and knowledge in welding.

“I am very interested in this field because it enables me to improve my technical skills, build self-confidence, discipline and resilience, as well as develop the drive to continually achieve higher standards.

“For now, I want to focus on further improving my welding skills and become a skilled and experienced worker,” said Muhammad Fazran, who currently works at a welding company in Kulim, Kedah.

For Mohd Sahmi Irfan Sulaimi, 20, from Setiu, Terengganu, he hoped more youths would seize the opportunity to take part in WSMB as it not only provides competition experience but also builds self-confidence, discipline and higher-level skills.

“Believe in your abilities, always strive to do your best and never give up easily. Turn every challenge into an opportunity to learn and improve yourself.

“There are many benefits to participating in WSMB, including enhancing skills and competency in your chosen field, gaining knowledge from trainers and industry experts, building professional networks and opening up career opportunities in the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA