KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to continuously improving the World Bank's Business Ready (B-Ready) indicator by emphasising several new approaches and methods to be introduced.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said therefore the synergy between the industry and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes must be further strengthened.
He also called on the industry to 'take over' several TVET programmes.
"A few days ago, we announced an additional allocation of RM200 million for TVET programmes. Today's TVET is no longer as formal as it used to be.
"If any industry wants to take over one or two TVET programmes, feel free to do so.
"Petronas, Proton-Geely for example. This makes the synergy between the industry and TVET programmes much closer.
"(And) we believe more in the industry's abilities to determine the types of training (for TVET students) because they know better than the conventional education system," he said in his speech at the 2024 Industry Excellence Award (AKI) held today.
Present were Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, his deputy Liew Chin Tong and AKI 2024 chairman Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon.
Meanwhile, the award, which was first introduced in 1991 by Miti, celebrates the best among the best in the industry.
The award is an effort by the government to recognise companies that have demonstrated excellence in their management practices, and quality of products and services, as well as continuously providing greater value to their stakeholders.
"This award is a form of encouragement to the local industry, alongside the government's efforts to attract foreign investment.
"The government never neglects its duty to allocate resources, acknowledge and provide incentives within the local industry network.
"This is important because while waiting for foreign investment, which is growing well with good trade, the government's responsibility is to strengthen the internal capabilities and build the local industry.
"I would like to also emphasise the correlation between a stable political situation, good framework and good governance can elevate our country's capabilities," he said.
Over the years, the award went through numerous restructurings and the current structure of this award is a biennial event with refined categories and added benefits.
There were 13 categories, among them include Prime Minister's Award, Manufacturing Sector Excellence Award, Services Sector Award and Most Promising Excellence Award.