By Zaki MS
IPOH – TAJ International College (TIC) and AGM GATE will collaborate to address the issue of graduates working in fields that do not match their qualifications.
AGM GATE is a technology and innovation company focusing on data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence (AI).
TIC Chief Executive Officer Tina Tajuddin said the collaboration aims to establish an ecosystem that supports national policies and, subsequently, the employment economy.
She said the mismatch between graduates’ qualifications and their jobs is partly due to a skills gap that still exists between educational institutions and the actual needs of industry.
“Hence, we are collaborating to develop modules that can be incorporated into education and training programmes for students who have completed SPM, SKM and STPM.
“AGM GATE, meanwhile, will focus on efforts to engage the workforce in Perak to become more knowledgeable and skilled in the use of AI,” she said.
She said this when she met at the TIC Industry Players Network programme held at the college campus here.
Elaborating, Tina said the collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
She said one of the planned initiatives is the offering of 100 places for an AI specialisation programme, with Dr Faizal Shebli serving as a mentor alongside TIC.
“These 100 places are the first phase, with various categories being offered, starting from SPM and STPM leavers as well as community college students.
“Admissions will be opened soon, and participants are expected to complete their studies within three years,” she said.
Tina said through the collaboration, AGM GATE is also prepared to provide training opportunities for participants, with the potential to offer employment in the industry in the future.
“We want to see young talents from Perak go further in this field and acquire skills that are truly needed by the industry,” she said.
Meanwhile, AG Aventa Group Executive Vice President Dr Faizal Shebli said the issue of graduates working in fields that do not match their qualifications is becoming increasingly apparent due to the absence of clear skill mapping.
He said the combination of expertise from TIC and AG would establish a platform to address the issue in a more systematic manner.
“With the advantages offered by AI, I expect the underemployment rate to be reduced within one to two years if these efforts are carried out continuously.”
Earlier, about 100 TIC strategic partners attended the event as part of efforts to strengthen ties between educational institutions and industry players.
