22/04/2026

BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | APR 22, 2026

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MICSEA lauds government measures to support SMEs

German TVET boosts workforce skills in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: With 80% of graduates securing full-time employment, 66% outperforming their non-GDVT peers, and 100% of employers affirming strong cultural fit, the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programme is delivering measurable workforce outcomes for industry, according to the latest GDVT Employer’s Survey. The programme, offered by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) for over a decade, is the only programme in Malaysia authorised to deliver and certify German dual vocational training according to German industry standards. All employers surveyed rate GDVT trainees positively, with 71.4% describing performance as good and 28.6% as excellent. Productivity is similarly strong, with 42.9% of trainees considered highly productive and 57.1% moderately productive. Employers consistently cite strengths across teamwork, adaptability, communication, discipline, technical capability and safety awareness, pointing to a cohort that is both technically prepared and operationally reliable. “In Germany, we’ve seen for decades what happens when you trust young people with real responsibility from day one: they rise to it. That’s exactly what we’re seeing here in Malaysia. Our graduates aren’t just filling positions; they’re earning promotions, outperforming their peers, and building careers that companies actively invest in. As Malaysia works to strengthen TVET as a first-choice pathway, this is the kind of outcome that shows what’s possible when training is meaningfully aligned with industry,” said MGCC executive director Hannes Farlock. Four in five graduates (80%) are offered full-time roles by their host companies, reducing recruitment friction and onboarding time. Once in the workforce, GDVT graduates continue to differentiate themselves, with two-thirds (66%) reported to outperform non-GDVT hires, reflecting their applied training and familiarity with real-world environments.

for re-importation. “These prag-matic steps will allow businesses additional time and breathing space to adapt to regulatory changes while navi gating current economic chal lenges,” said Lai. As employers, he added, they recognise that these interventions are not merely short-term relief measures, but part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience under the Madani framework. Lai said MICSEA stands ready to collaborate closely with the government, financial institutions, and industry partners to ensure effective implementation and outreach of these initiatives.

exert pressure on operational sustainability,” he added. He said MICSEA particularly welcomes the enhancement of financing support through the Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, including the increased guarantee allocation and improved financing coverage. He added that these measures will provide much-needed liquidity and confidence for SMEs to sustain operations, safeguard jobs, and continue contributing to the national economy. “We also acknowledge the government’s flexibility in implementing the e-invoicing framework, as well as its consideration of duty exemptions

o Association says policy adjustments and funding initiatives provide confidence for firms to weather ongoing external pressures

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Industrial Commercial Service Employers Association (MICSEA) appreciates the Madani government, led by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for its proactive and inclusive measures aimed at easing the burden faced by SMEs amid the ongoing global energy crisis.

strengthen resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on Petronas’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together.” Meanwhile, Mohd Azmi said, “Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this tie-up with Petronas, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu.” NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for Petronbas in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon climate ment with industry stakeholders and its willingness to listen to concerns from micro, small, and medium enterprises reflect a commendable commitment to ensuring that no segment of the business community is left behind. “These efforts are especially critical at a time when rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and global uncertainties continue to

President YK Lai said the government’s continued engage Petronas inks MoU with Terengganu for green projects

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas and the Terengganu state government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a MoU to explore opportunities for the development of nature-based solutions (NbS) in the state. Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation. The MoU was signed by Petronas senior general manager (nature, corporate sustainability) Giulia Sartori and Terengganu state secretary Datuk Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. On the collaboration Sartori said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that

From left: Terengganu state committee on tourism, culture, environment and climate change chairman Datuk Razali Idris, Rosli Latif, Mohd Azmi, Sartori, Ezrin Johanna, and Petronas senior general manager stakeholder relations, group strategic relations and communications Khairuddin Jaafar.

corporate Ezrin Johanna Elias, and Terengganu economic planning unit director Datuk Rosli Latif. sustainability)

Emissions by 2050 Pathway. The signing was also witnessed by Petronas general manager (nature centre of excellence and solutions,