SHAH ALAM, Oct 20 — The state, through Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, has launched Malaysia’s first Water University ecosystem model to empower the development of skilled workers for the nation’s water supply industry.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the model, executed with Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) and Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC), covers human capital development and skills and industrial training.
He added that the initiative centres on three aspects — talent development, upskilling according to industry needs, and building a more resilient and competitive workforce.
“This partnership that started with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) last year has borne fruit with 138 Air Selangor staffers having finished their studies with UNISEL, while 1,500 participants have obtained the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) through STDC.
“They not only obtained certifications, but also formal academic qualifications based on fieldwork and experience. If all goes well, we can offer diploma, (bachelor’s), master’s up to PhD studies.
“The state government wants to set up a water management course to offer to water managers in Malaysia and overseas. We don’t just want to know about water management; we also want to explore new technology,” he said when met at the launch of the collaboration between Air Selangor, UNISEL and STDC here today.
At the launch ceremony, Amirudin presented the Water Supply Management Technology Professional Certificate to 138 Air Selangor employees.
Meanwhile, Air Selangor chief executive officer Adam Saffian Ghazali said the Water University model aims to link classroom learning with real-world working experience.
“Through this collaboration, Air Selangor will provide exposure and training in real-world water supply industry operations. UNISEL will contribute academic expertise, while STDC will focus on technical training and practical skills.
“This effort can create more opportunities for Selangoreans to learn, gain skills and choose careers in the water industry, besides giving existing employees space to gain more knowledge and grow their potential,” Adam Saffian said.
