Budget 2027: MISC Proposes Matching Grants, Cost-sharing For Maritime Training

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- MISC Berhad has proposed that Budget 2027 strengthen the joint investment model between the government and the industry, including matching grants and cost-sharing arrangements, to train more Malaysians for maritime jobs.

In a written response to Bernama, MISC said developing the sector’s workforce required substantial expenditure covering practical training, professional certification, simulator use, and onboard placements to gain seafaring experience.

“The most impactful incentives are those that can encourage more companies to jointly invest in talent development,” the company said.

MISC said cost-sharing was particularly relevant for programmes requiring high investment or involving new competencies, as digitalisation, automation, decarbonisation efforts and the use of alternative fuels were changing maritime workforce requirements.

It said government support could help the industry accelerate reskilling and upskilling, while reducing the cost of developing competencies that were not yet widely available.

MISC said efforts to increase Malaysian participation in the maritime sector should begin before they enter the workforce, through career exposure in schools, access to education and sponsorships, training that meets industry needs, as well as opportunities to gain real-world experience.

It said the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), which is managed by its subsidiary Malaysian Maritime Academy Sdn Bhd, has trained more than 15,000 maritime graduates since 1977 through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), cadetship diploma and professional courses.

ALAM students and cadets have the opportunity to undergo work-based learning, including training aboard MISC vessels and with industry partners, so that the qualifications they obtain are complemented by the operational experience required by employers.

In marine engineering and the heavy industries, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad (MHB) collaborates with institutions such as TVET MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat), Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) and polytechnics to provide workplace training.

“The MISC Group’s goal is not merely to produce more graduates, but to build a sustainable maritime talent pipeline, from education to employment and career development,” the company said.

MISC said the maritime skills gap was now more closely related to changes in the types of expertise required as new technologies changed the way ships were built, operated and managed.

For example, MHB collaborates with ADTEC Pasir Gudang to tailor welding training to industry requirements, followed by competency assessments and employment opportunities for participants who meet the stipulated criteria.

MISC said lifelong learning was also important for seafarers seeking to enhance their competencies or transition to shore-based jobs, including in ship management, port operations, safety and training.

ALAM offers about 160 courses, ranging from TVET programmes to advanced professional training, as well as simulator-based training and courses related to new technologies, including the operation of ammonia-fuelled vessels.

“The government can play an important role as a facilitator through appropriate policies, incentives, and funding, while the industry must continue to provide opportunities for training, real-world experience and employment,” MISC said.

Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat at 3.30 pm tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA