A trainee at the centre works on a Kawasaki motorcycle. NSTP/WAN NABIL NASIR
A trainee at the centre works on a Kawasaki motorcycle. NSTP/WAN NABIL NASIR

PENDANG:GiatMara has tied up with Modenas to launch the Modenas and Kawasaki Motorcycle Technology Industry Centre of Excellence (ICoE) at GiatMara Pendang here.

The centre aims to strengthen collaborative activities with industry through factory-based teaching.

GiatMara chief executive officer Ahmad Hamdi Ibrahim said the partnership with Modenas started early last year, leveraging the motorcycle manufacturer's expertise and technology for local and global markets.

"With industry support and collaboration, GiatMara ensures that the training provided to trainees is relevant and meets current job market demands.

"The scope of collaboration is broad. Besides job placements for trainees, we aim to enhance the knowledge and competence of trainers through the Train The Trainer programme ," he said after the ICoE Launch Ceremony here today.

Hamdi added that two motorcycle workshops, one for Kawasaki high-powered motorcycle technology and one for Modenas motorcycle technology, were established following the inception of the ICoE.

He said that these workshops offer specialised courses using Modenas and Kawasaki modules and equipment.

They also involve the industry pioneer concept, real-work-based learning, and a learn-and-earn approach.

"Modenas also donated three high-powered motorcycles, motorcycle engines for training, and special diagnostic equipment for trainee use. In addition, GiatMara trainers receive special training in the latest technologies from both brands," he said.

Meanwhile, Hamdi said that Modenas expressed a desire to train and expose GiatMara to the maintenance of electric motorcycles, which are increasingly in demand among users.

"Currently, there are not many skilled technicians in electric vehicles (EVs). With the exposure provided by Modenas to GiatMara, we are confident in meeting the employment needs in this field," he added.

Commenting further, he encouraged students that who failed to take their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination for 2023 to apply for training with GiatMARA as advised by Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

"Let's reorganise our lives and start with Technical and Vocational Training (TVET). Even if we did not excel academically, it has been proven that through TVET, one can advance all the way to a PhD. There are pathways established by the government for such students," he added.

On Saturday, Asyraf said students can apply to any of the 232 GiatMara branches nationwide. (hyperlink: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2024/05/1056...).

He said Mara's TVET programme offers skills training up to the highest levels.