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• 1,041 medtech professionals from 60 companies trained
• 788 aerospace professionals from 33 companies upskilled

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A closing and award ceremony was recently held to celebrate the successful completion of the Upskilling Grant for the Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries. Led by Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) in partnership with the ÿ�մ��� Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA) and the Association of ÿ�մ���n Medical Industries (AMMI), the initiative has been instrumental in strengthening ÿ�մ���’s high-value industries. By equipping individuals with critical industry skills, supporting businesses with a more competitive workforce, and enhancing educational institutions with stronger technical capabilities, the programme has made a lasting impact on the nation’s talent pipeline.

Hosted by CREST alongside MAIA and AMMI, the event brought together key industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate the programme’s achievements. Among the distinguished attendees were Hanafi Sakri, deputy secretary-general (industry) at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); Naguib Mohd Nor, president of MAIA; and Samuel Pooranakaran, vice-chairman of AMMI, along with key representatives from participating companies and educational institutions.

Jointly spearheaded by the three organisations, the Upskilling Grant for the Aerospace and Medical Devices Industries has successfully tackled critical talent shortages in two of ÿ�մ���’s fastest-growing sectors. Over the past year, the programme has equipped participants with industry-relevant skills, enhanced workforce capabilities, and reinforced ÿ�մ���’s position as a hub for high-value talent.

Hanafi Sakri highlighted the importance of talent development, stating, “This initiative exemplifies how public-private collaboration can bridge the talent gap and ensure ÿ�մ���’s workforce is prepared for the future. By equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and fostering strong academia-industry partnerships, we are not just addressing immediate workforce needs but laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience. The success of this programme must serve as a catalyst for sustained investment in talent development, ensuring that ÿ�մ��� remains at the forefront of high-value industries.”

Commenting on the programme’s impact, Jaffri Ibrahim stated, “This initiative has been about more than just training—it has been about shaping a workforce that is ready to drive ÿ�մ���’s aerospace and medical devices industries forward. Over the past year, we have seen how targeted upskilling has helped individuals secure employment and equipped businesses with the right talent to stay competitive. The transformation we have witnessed is a testament to the effectiveness of industry-driven talent development.”

He added, “This achievement would not have been possible without the strong collaboration between MAIA and AMMI. Their industry expertise, networks, and commitment have enabled us to design training that directly addresses workforce demands. By continuing to strengthen these partnerships, we can build a more resilient and future-ready workforce that meets the demands of these fast-evolving industries.”

For many participants, this initiative has been a gateway to industry exposure and career readiness. One such success story is Jemyma Anak Barnabas Bidin��(pic),��a student from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, who gained invaluable insights into the aerospace sector through the Finishing School Programme. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Before this programme, I had limited exposure to real-world industry expectations. The training provided hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of what the aerospace sector demands. I learned to apply technical knowledge beyond textbooks, engage with professionals, and ask the right questions. Now, I feel more prepared to transition into the workforce and seize opportunities in this field. This experience has given me the confidence to pursue my career in aerospace.”

Similarly, Ang Yi Herng (pic), a student from Universiti Teknologi Petronas, highlighted how the programme broadened his understanding of industry expectations and the skills needed to excel in the workforce. He shared, “This experience opened my eyes to the standards and demands of the industry. Exposure to real-world applications and professional environments helped me develop a more practical mindset and a stronger problem-solving approach. Beyond technical skills, I learned how to navigate industry challenges and adapt to evolving requirements. I now feel more prepared to step into the workforce and contribute meaningfully in my field.”

Key achievements of the Upskilling Grant:

• 1,041 industry professionals from 60 companies trained under the medical devices initiative.
• 788 workforce members from 33 companies upskilled in the aerospace sector.
• 7 educational institutions awarded grants to enhance curriculum and technical capabilities.
• 1,130 students from 27 educational institutions trained through the Finishing School initiative.

Across all initiatives, the Upskilling Grant successfully trained 2,959 ÿ�մ���ns, including 1,829 workforce professionals and 1,130 students. The programme has strengthened industry-academic collaboration, enhanced technical competencies, and equipped participants with the skills needed to excel in the aerospace and medical devices industries.

As this programme concludes, CREST, MAIA, and AMMI remain committed to shaping ÿ�մ���’s future workforce. By fostering innovation, deepening industry-academic partnerships, and expanding talent development initiatives, they will continue to equip ÿ�մ���ns with the expertise required to thrive in high-value industries, ensuring the nation’s long-term global competitiveness.

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