Malaysia-based conglomerate Sunway Group and the National Youth Advance Skills Training Institute (IKTBN) in Dusun Tua, a public vocational school under the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, have inked deal to foster closer cooperation focusing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the fields of electrical and mechanical, and automotive technology.

Sunway said in a statement on Tuesday that the duo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the partnership.

“IKTBN Dusun Tua will establish a partnership with Sunway in providing early exposure to electric vehicle (EV) technology to students in the field of automotive technology,” the Minister of Youth and Sports YB Hannah Yeoh said.

“Today marks an important milestone as the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS) is pioneering education and training in EV systems,

“Together, we can light a path towards a brighter and greener tomorrow,” added Yeoh at the official launch of EV and Hybrid Vehicle course.

It is noted that by 2025, an estimated 200 students will be enrolled full-time in EV courses at one of the Ministry’s three vocational schools in Dusun Tua (Selangor), Chembong (Negeri Sembilan) and Jitra (Kedah), while another 500 workers will enrol in short-term up-skilling courses on EV maintenance and repairs.

“TVET has the potential to drive new opportunities and innovations in Malaysia,

“This collaboration with IKTBN Dusun Tua is another example of our commitment to the growth and development of the TVET sector, providing an avenue for young Malaysians to acquire industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an ever-changing economy,” Sunway Group chief human resources officer Foo Shiang Wyne said.

Spearheaded by Sunway’s trading and manufacturing as well as property and facilities management business divisions, this initiative will involve active engagement on the content of IKTBN Dusun Tua curriculum, knowledge transfer between TVET instructors and Sunway executives as well as industrial attachment through internship placements.

This effort is part of Sunway on-going collaboration with several public vocational schools throughout the country, with a focus on five primary industries namely hospitality, culinary, facilities and equipment maintenance, automotive, and healthcare.

This MOU follows Sunway’s memorandum of agreement with the Malaysian government in March 2023 and another strategic partnership established with Universiti Teknologi MARA in January 2024 to strengthen the TVET sector through active collaboration between the government, the private sector, educational institutions.

Established in 1974, Sunway is one of Southeast Asia’s leading conglomerates with 13 business divisions across more than 50 locations primarily in Asia.

The firm’s diverse businesses includes core interests in real estate, construction, education, healthcare, retail and hospitality.

It has three public-listed companies — Sunway Berhad, Sunway Construction Group, and Sunway REIT.

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