SEDIA Upskilling and Re-Skilling Programme to Assist Workers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kota Kinabalu (Thursday) – Under the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), the SDC-Skills & Talent Enhancement Programme (SSTEP) is a human capital development initiative focused on alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing skills training to job seekers and equipping them with the necessary skill sets for job placement in the growing economic sectors during the pandemic as well as for the post-pandemic recovery.

The year 2020 has been an unprecedented year for everyone globally, with no exception to Malaysia and particularly Sabah. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the nation’s economy as well as livelihoods of ordinary citizens, but it has also disrupted every single individual’s normal way of life. Industries in Sabah have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the tourism sector and its related industries. This has resulted in employees being retrenched and limited job opportunities for fresh graduates and school leavers. As tourism is one of the key contributors to overall economic development in Sabah, the livelihood of many Sabahans have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Tens of thousands of workers are being retrenched, and the estimated youth unemployment rate in Sabah could rise to 20 percent according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)

As part of the PENJANA KERJAYA National Recovery Programme under Budget 2021, SSTEP aims to reskill and upskill these retrenched workers as well as unemployed graduates and school leavers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jobseekers will be trained with the necessary skills set meeting the requirements of industries, and be prepared for the jobs market immediately after the training is completed.

The new blueprint was finalised at an important juncture in Sabah’s development journey, amidst uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This blueprint is aligned with the Federal Government’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030) and Keluarga Malaysia concept as well as the State Government’s Sabah Maju Jaya plan. Additionally, in line with Malaysia’s commitments towards responsible global citizenship, the SDC Blueprint 2.0 provides an opportunity to connect Sabah’s development priorities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Continuing the legacy of the first blueprint, the SDC Blueprint 2.0 will ensure holistic development through economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable.

Three (3) sub-programmes are introduced under SSTEP:

1. Place & Train/Train & Place

Upskilling & Reskilling Programmes are to be provided by Employers or Industrial Associations, whereby job seekers will receive training by the employers’ in-house or external qualified trainers in acquiring the necessary skill set (Hard Skills and Soft Skills) required for the job tasks. Upon completion of the training, job seekers will receive job placement from the Employers.

2. Match, Train & Place

The Upskilling & Reskilling Programmes comprise of the following:

1. Skill certification from Institution of Higher Learning, Registered & Accredited Skill Training Providers & Professional Bodies.
2. Industrial Training Certification from registered industrial accredited certification bodies such as CIDB, JPJ’s approved Driving Academy, Government certified training courses for certification of Technical Competency.
3. Skill Training Programme provided by registered SKM/JKM/HRDF Skill Training Centre or Institute
4. Professional Skill Certification Programme (International or Local) provided by accredited or reputable industrial training providers.

Upon completion of the training, jobseekers will be given job placement by participating employers registered with SEDIA

3. Home Business & Entrepreneurship Development

Upon completion, participants in these Upskilling & Reskilling Programmes will receive Certification of Competency and Business Operation System from reputable accredited Training Providers, Corporation as well as Business Proprietors for Mentorship Training. Specific Training & Short Courses will be introduced to assist individuals and workers within B40 Households with specific skills and knowledge through end-to-end training to up-skill, thus gaining entrepreneurship skills and income from various industries such as Agriculture, Food Production, Home Business, E-Commerce & Business Proprietorship.

Upon completion of the training programme, a mentor-mentee and business platform will be established in order to ensure income creation for the participants.

For further information and registration, please visit https://sedia.com.my/sstep/.