28/04/2026

TUESDAY | APR 28, 2026

12

EDUCATION NEWS

Students drive campaign to challenge stigma on HIV o Initiative at Utar Kampar promotes awareness and community spirit with NGOs

German TVET programme delivers measurable workforce gains 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, ensuring an authentic and quality assured pathway for companies and trainees. Modelled on Germany’s dual system and widely regarded as a “secret weapon” behind its economic success, it combines practical, on-the job training with structured theoretical education to produce a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce. This ensures that participating companies benefit from a programme that is fully aligned with German industry standards, in contrast to non-certified or adapted models in the market. Performance is already evident during training. 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,” said MGCC executive director Hannes Farlock in a media release. “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.” Integration into the workplace is near frictionless. All surveyed companies report strong cultural fit, with graduates adapting quickly to organisational norms and team dynamics, supporting retention and long-term workforce stability. Career progression is both visible and accelerated. Half of GDVT graduates have already been promoted, in some cases within six months of joining full-time. Employers report progression into roles such as assistant engineers and engineers, alongside rapid advancement into senior positions, including double promotions to E-level engineer roles shortly after completing a two-year service bond. The programme is also delivering on higher order skills. Seven in 10 employers (70%) report that graduates apply problem-solving skills effectively in real-world contexts, enabling early contributions to operational improvements. For companies, the commercial case is clear: improved workforce readiness, shorter onboarding cycles, higher productivity, stronger technical competence, better cultural alignment and improved retention. Reflecting this, 100% of surveyed companies recommend the programme, reinforcing GDVT’s position as a scalable solution to industry’s talent needs. Participating companies in the survey include BBS Automation, VAT Manufacturing, Inari Technology, Koerber, Bauer, Schott, Robert Bosch and B Braun.

KAMPAR: Once perceived as an almost certain death sentence, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is now recognised as a manageable chronic condition, thanks to decades of research and persistent public health efforts. Although it is now considered a widely understood disease by the world’s population, stigma associated with it persists. A one-day HIV awareness campaign titled Obs’HIV, held at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) Kampar Campus on March 31, was aimed at informing young adults about HIV’s risks and preventive measures. It was organised by Utar Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations final-year project students, in collaboration with the PT Foundation, the Buddies Society of Ipoh and Pertubuhan Sinar Kasih Perak (Perkasih). The campaign aimed to reduce stigma within the community through a series of educational, creative, and interactive activities. It attracted more than 350 students. Among the highlights were expert talks by Mohd Redduwan Zairukaperi from the Buddies Society of Ipoh and Putri Eizarra Elysa from Perkasih. Mohd Redduwan encouraged participants to always be careful by following preventive steps published by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, including regular health screenings, avoiding the sharing of needles and early preventive care. He advised patients to seek consistent treatment, as modern medicine such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help them maintain a productive life while preventing the spread of HIV. While antiretroviral medicines are not free throughout patients’ lives, he shared that first-time antiretroviral medicines are provided free to all Malaysians GEORGE TOWN: Wawasan Open University (WOU) has announced the appointment of eminent former banker and financial regulator Tan Sri Andrew Sheng as the chairman of Wawasan Education Foundation (WEF). He succeeds Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, whose leadership from 2013 to 2025 has been instrumental in the university’s growth. Koh will continue to serve in his current capacity as chairman of WOU’s Board of Governors. Sheng, well-known as a commentator on global finance, is a distinguished fellow of the Asia Global Institute, the University of Hong Kong, and a distinguished fellow of the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia. WEF serves as the philanthropic and strategic backbone of the varsity. It is dedicated to advancing equitable access to quality higher education, fostering cutting-edge research, and empowering a new generation of digital-ready learners. Accoding to a WOU statement, Sheng’s appointment signals a new chapter for the foundation, leveraging his global expertise in financial systems, public policy and institutional governance to expand the university’s social and economic impact.

Putri Eizarra sharing real-life experiences of PLHIV, offering a glimpse into the stigma they face.

the disease and clear its misconceptions, thereby reducing stigma against PLHIV. Beyond that, she also highlighted the differences between HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and related conditions. Visual arts, insights, and games were featured at the exhibition area, where participants uncovered multifaceted perspectives on HIV while learning about its transmission, prevention and treatment resources. From visual installations that displayed the quiet discrimination faced by PLHIV to interactive activities like Free Hug and Voices of Change that further inspired empathy and awareness towards individuals living with HIV, the exhibition created an immersive environment that encouraged both reflection and dialogue. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. WOU chief executive and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Lily Chan said: “Tan Sri Sheng’s expertise bolsters WOU’s mission to transform digital open learning and drive systemic impact, empowering individuals to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient economy. “Under his strategic guidance, the university will further its goal of providing future-proof education that strengthens economic resilience both locally and internationally.” Sheng currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors, chairman of the George Town Institute of Open and Advanced Studies, and professor of practice at the School of Business and Administration. In these capacities, he continues to play a vital role in steering the university’s intellectual trajectory, particularly in the areas of global economic strategy, financial governance and innovation-driven growth. WOU is a pioneer in open distance learning (ODL) in Malaysia, established to provide flexible, accessible and high-quality education for working adults, professionals and industry partners.

living with HIV. While it is becoming common knowledge that PLHIV are able to keep their HIV levels under control with proper treatment and live well within the community, Putri Eizarra remarked that the stigma from society still exists to a certain extent. Sharing various real-life experiences from her patients, she remarked, “Stigma can start from the very moment you begin your treatment. It’s difficult to go through such experiences while undergoing medication, hence support from your loved ones is very important.” “We are here not to encourage behaviours, but to raise awareness about HIV, as early understanding and preparedness are essential in prevention and reducing stigma.” Putri Eizarra emphasised the significance of understanding HIV to prevent the spread of

Andrew Sheng appointed chairman of Wawasan Education Foundation

The appointment received unanimous support from the board of directors, comprising prominent leaders from the corporate, professional and academic sectors. In a dual celebration of his leadership, WOU also extended its congratulations to Sheng on his recent appointment as special adviser to Sheng has years of global expertise in financial systems, public policy and institutional governance.

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