PUTRAJAYA: The government has agreed to provide a reward incentive of RM40,000 for Malaysian representatives who win gold in the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the special incentive for the participants is a sign of support, encouragement, and motivation to achieve outstanding success in the competition, which will take place next September.
Silver medal winners will receive a reward of RM20,000, and bronze medal winners will receive RM10,000.
Participants who achieve the Medallion for Excellence will receive RM4,000.
The WorldSkills competition 2024 in Lyon, France will take place from Sept 7 to 16 with 15 participants from various institutions representing Malaysia.
"In addition, participants who achieve outstanding performance by winning gold, silver, or bronze medals will also be awarded the Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma (DLKM) certification by the Skills Development Department in their respective skill fields.
"I hope that with the support provided, the participants will deliver their best performance during the WSC Lyon 2024, bringing glory to the nation and advancing TVET education," he said during the opening of the Road to Lyon 2024 event here today.
The participation of the national contingent in the WorldSkills Competition is managed by two ministries: namely the Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) and the Works Ministry.
Kesuma oversaw nine skill areas and the Ministry of Works managed five skill areas related to the construction industry.
Sim highlighted that both ministries have shown significant synergy and collaboration in preparing and managing Malaysia's participation in the international competition.
"I understand that the participants representing the country in the competition are excellent performers in national and regional competitions such as WorldSkills Malaysia Youth Competition (WSMB) 2023, WorldSkills ASEAN Singapore 2023, and WorldSkills Asia Abu Dhabi 2023."
"Certainly, participation in such international skill competitions can have a significant impact and benefit for the country, including recognising the level of youth skills in TVET fields.
"This also signifies the level of Malaysia's TVET performance on the global stage, technology transfer, best TVET practices internationally, and producing a more skilled workforce at the world-class level."
Sim emphasised that strategic collaborations with the industry can optimize expertise and the latest technology to fulfill the aspirations of industry-driven TVET implementation.
He noted that industry involvement will enhance the quality of training and boost the confidence of national participants as they gain direct exposure to current technologies and real workplace environments.
Sim also urged more Malaysian industries to actively support TVET implementation to enhance the competence and quality of the skilled workforce we aim to produce.
"Strong and close cooperation with the industry will undoubtedly align supply with demand, ensuring that TVET institutions produce graduates tailored to industry needs."