
Seize free training opportunities via NTW 2025, Kuching MP urges S'wak youth
According to Yii, NTW 2025 is organised by HRD Corp in conjunction with the Asean Year of Skills, under the theme 'Learning Beyond Borders.'
KUCHING (June 19): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has called on young Sarawakians to actively take part in National Training Week (NTW) 2025, describing it as a valuable opportunity to equip themselves with future-ready skills for the digital economy.
He noted that NTW 2025, recently launched by the Ministry of Human Resources at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, is free of charge and open to all Malaysians.
'The opportunities provided through this platform are highly relevant to the needs of our people, particularly in areas such as digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI); entrepreneurship and financial planning; Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and technical skills; creativity, arts and innovation; as well as life skills and mental wellness,' he said in a statement.
'NTW 2025 provides a unique opportunity to gain practical, career-relevant knowledge through physical workshops, live online sessions, self-paced e-learning, and coaching programmes.'
According to Yii, NTW 2025 is organised by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) in conjunction with the Asean Year of Skills, under the theme 'Learning Beyond Borders.'
'This nationwide and regional initiative offers over 65,000 free training courses and 1,000 high-impact learning and development activities – all of which are accessible to all Malaysians and citizens across Asean,' he said.
'To date, NTW 2025 has recorded more than two million participants, surpassing its initial national target of one million. Of these, 40 per cent are enrolled in courses related to Industry 4.0, highlighting our nation's readiness to embrace future skills.'
Yii, who is also political secretary to the Human Resources Minister, added that one of the standout features of this year's NTW is the 'AI-4-Educators' programme, which is launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
'The programme has successfully trained over 395,000 educators from across the country between April 7 and June 12 this year, earning recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest AI training participation among educators.
'This initiative reflects a bold step towards building a digitally literate and future-ready generation,' he said.
Further information on NTW can be found at its website https://www.nationaltrainingweek.gov.my.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia eyes stronger trade ties with Uzbekistan
TASHKENT: Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism, and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly due to import tax on palm oil. However, he expressed confidence in a potential turnaround. "We are hopeful that trade will pick up, if both governments can agree to waive or continue waiving the (import) tax on Malaysian palm oil. This would enable Uzbek retailers here to resume sourcing their palm oil supply from Malaysia," he said. In 2024, Malaysia–Uzbekistan trade reached RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million), making Uzbekistan Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. The trade balance was in Malaysia's favour at RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million). From January to April 2025, bilateral trade between both countries reached RM106 million (US$25 million). Major exports from Malaysia to Uzbekistan include palm oil, coffee, palm-based oleochemical, margarine and shortening, processed food and coconut oil, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise mainly fertilisers, fruits and textiles. Ilham Tuah said the 5.0 per cent tax on Malaysian palm oil is being reconsidered by Uzbek authorities. A continued exemption could significantly boost Malaysia's exports. "We hope this move will encourage Uzbek buyers to continue to source their supply from Malaysia. Discussions between the relevant authorities in both countries will be essential in finding a mutually beneficial solution," he added. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness in Uzbekistan about the health benefits of palm oil. "We must continue educating the Uzbek people about the nutritional value of palm oil and counter the negative narratives promoted by certain parties," he added. On the tourism front, Ilham Tuah said that over 15,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia last year—a significant increase from previous years, driven by enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways. "This improved connectivity benefits not only tourists but also students from Uzbekistan. Many are drawn to Malaysia's beaches, as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country," he explained. He also noted a growing interest among Malaysian travellers in Uzbekistan, particularly for spiritual tourism. "Many Malaysians visit Uzbekistan particularly for spiritual reasons. They love to explore the Imam Al Bukhari Mausoleum, which is currently under renovation. Once completed, it is expected to become a favourite destination for Malaysians," he added. He said there is strong interest in Malaysia's halal certification in Uzbekistan, adding that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has signed an MoU with the relevant Uzbek authorities to strengthen cooperation. "This collaboration will help local products meet Malaysian halal standards, potentially opening access to broader markets that recognise our certification," he said. To facilitate smoother trade and investment, both countries are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Ilham Tuah said with such a framework, Malaysia could send semi-finished goods for final processing in Uzbekistan, which has access to markets in the European Union and Eurasia. "It's a win-win for both sides. Preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is something we are actively considering. So the relevant agencies of both countries should meet up to discuss and explore this further," he added. Ilham Tuah also noted the growing demand in halal consumer goods and Muslimah fashion. "Muslimah fashion is making a strong comeback here. So I encourage Malaysian women entrepreneurs to engage with their counterparts here. There is huge demand here for Muslimah fashion, cosmetics and halal products," he said.


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia eyes stronger trade ties with Uzbekistan
TASHKENT: Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism, and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly due to import tax on palm oil. However, he expressed confidence in a potential turnaround. 'We are hopeful that trade will pick up, if both governments can agree to waive or continue waiving the (import) tax on Malaysian palm oil. This would enable Uzbek retailers here to resume sourcing their palm oil supply from Malaysia,' he said. In 2024, Malaysia–Uzbekistan trade reached RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million), making Uzbekistan Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. The trade balance was in Malaysia's favour at RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million). From January to April 2025, bilateral trade between both countries reached RM106 million (US$25 million). Major exports from Malaysia to Uzbekistan include palm oil, coffee, palm-based oleochemical, margarine and shortening, processed food and coconut oil, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise mainly fertilisers, fruits and textiles. Ilham Tuah said the 5.0 per cent tax on Malaysian palm oil is being reconsidered by Uzbek authorities. A continued exemption could significantly boost Malaysia's exports. 'We hope this move will encourage Uzbek buyers to continue to source their supply from Malaysia. Discussions between the relevant authorities in both countries will be essential in finding a mutually beneficial solution,' he added. The ambassador also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness in Uzbekistan about the health benefits of palm oil. 'We must continue educating the Uzbek people about the nutritional value of palm oil and counter the negative narratives promoted by certain parties,' he added. On the tourism front, Ilham Tuah highlighted that over 15,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia last year—a significant increase from previous years, driven by enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways. 'This improved connectivity benefits not only tourists but also students from Uzbekistan. Many are drawn to Malaysia's beaches, as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country,' he explained. He also noted a growing interest among Malaysian travellers in Uzbekistan, particularly for spiritual tourism. 'Many Malaysians visit Uzbekistan particularly for spiritual reasons. They love to explore the Imam Al Bukhari Mausoleum, which is currently under renovation. Once completed, it is expected to become a favourite destination for Malaysians,' he added. He noted a strong interest in the Malaysian halal certification in Uzbekistan, adding that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the relevant Uzbek authorities to further strengthen cooperation in halal certification efforts. 'This collaboration will help local products meet Malaysian halal standards, potentially opening access to broader markets that recognise our certification,' he said. To facilitate smoother trade and investment, both countries are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Ilham Tuah said with such a framework, Malaysia could send semi-finished goods for final processing in Uzbekistan, which has access to markets in the European Union and Eurasia. 'It's a win-win for both sides. Preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is something we are actively the relevant agencies of both countries should meet up to discuss and explore this further,' he added. Ilham Tuah also noted the growing demand in halal consumer goods and Muslimah fashion. 'Muslimah fashion is making a strong comeback here. So I encourage Malaysian women entrepreneurs to engage with their counterparts here. There is huge demand here for Muslimah fashion, cosmetics and halal products,' he concluded.


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia optimistic about boosting bilateral trade with Uzbekistan
TASHKENT: Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism, and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly due to import tax on palm oil. However, he expressed confidence in a potential turnaround. 'We are hopeful that trade will pick up, if both governments can agree to waive or continue waiving the (import) tax on Malaysian palm oil. This would enable Uzbek retailers here to resume sourcing their palm oil supply from Malaysia,' he said. In 2024, Malaysia–Uzbekistan trade reached RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million), making Uzbekistan Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. The trade balance was in Malaysia's favour at RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million). From January to April 2025, bilateral trade between both countries reached RM106 million (US$25 million). Major exports from Malaysia to Uzbekistan include palm oil, coffee, palm-based oleochemical, margarine and shortening, processed food and coconut oil, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise mainly fertilisers, fruits and textiles. Ilham Tuah said the 5.0 per cent tax on Malaysian palm oil is being reconsidered by Uzbek authorities. A continued exemption could significantly boost Malaysia's exports. 'We hope this move will encourage Uzbek buyers to continue to source their supply from Malaysia. Discussions between the relevant authorities in both countries will be essential in finding a mutually beneficial solution,' he added. The ambassador also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness in Uzbekistan about the health benefits of palm oil. 'We must continue educating the Uzbek people about the nutritional value of palm oil and counter the negative narratives promoted by certain parties,' he added. On the tourism front, Ilham Tuah highlighted that over 15,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia last year—a significant increase from previous years, driven by enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways. 'This improved connectivity benefits not only tourists but also students from Uzbekistan. Many are drawn to Malaysia's beaches, as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country,' he explained. He also noted a growing interest among Malaysian travellers in Uzbekistan, particularly for spiritual tourism. 'Many Malaysians visit Uzbekistan particularly for spiritual reasons. They love to explore the Imam Al Bukhari Mausoleum, which is currently under renovation. Once completed, it is expected to become a favourite destination for Malaysians,' he added. He noted a strong interest in the Malaysian halal certification in Uzbekistan, adding that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the relevant Uzbek authorities to further strengthen cooperation in halal certification efforts. 'This collaboration will help local products meet Malaysian halal standards, potentially opening access to broader markets that recognise our certification,' he said. To facilitate smoother trade and investment, both countries are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Ilham Tuah said with such a framework, Malaysia could send semi-finished goods for final processing in Uzbekistan, which has access to markets in the European Union and Eurasia. 'It's a win-win for both sides. Preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is something we are actively the relevant agencies of both countries should meet up to discuss and explore this further,' he added. Ilham Tuah also noted the growing demand in halal consumer goods and Muslimah fashion. 'Muslimah fashion is making a strong comeback here. So I encourage Malaysian women entrepreneurs to engage with their counterparts here. There is huge demand here for Muslimah fashion, cosmetics and halal products,' he concluded.