KUALA LUMPUR, 27 OCTOBER 2020 – For many years, Malaysia is primarily a destination country for foreign workers as they are vital for businesses especially in the manufacturing, construction and F&B sectors typically have a strong dependence on these migrant workers. Since the Covid-19 pandemic
started along with the Movement Control Order (with now being our second CMCO), this has put most businesses in a panic chaos, as there has been a halt in bringing foreign workers to the country. Adding to this, Malaysia is also experiencing an increase in the unemployment rate by 3.9% as indicated by the Statistics of Labour Force in Malaysia (March 2020) - strongly affecting the workforce caused by the pandemic.

As the influx of foreign workers declined and local unemployment increased, Manforce Group Berhad, one of the leading foreign worker solutions providers in Malaysia is strongly determined to elevate and recharge Malaysia’s workforce and economy again by introducing the Malaysians Development Uplift Programme – a programme intending to empower young Malaysians with the necessary skills of learning, life and work; enhancing sustainable growth with skilled workforce through basic industrial training, while ensuring that young Malaysians fully understand and exceed the expectations of employers.

Dato’ Paul Wong Boon Ming, Group Managing Director of Manforce Group Berhad said that this programme will be beneficial to accelerate Malaysian businesses to continue working efficiently as needed to which, in turn, will rejuvenate the economy again - at the same time placing renewed confidence in their own countryman to be able to contribute to the Company and nation as a whole. “We always have a high reliance on foreign workers not only because they have a stronger endurance in rough working environments, but also it’s challenging to find Malaysians willing to perform jobs that are not desirable, as such that contribute to the dependency on the foreign workforce. However, this does not mean that there are no locals at all who are looking for any form of employment opportunities – it may only just be that they are clueless of where to look for these jobs or to find the resources needed to be equipped with the necessary skills,” explained Dato’ Paul when announcing the Malaysians Development Uplift Programme initiative.

“This is where Manforce Group steps in to bridge that gap - for employers who are in need of people to execute the labour tasks, and for individuals who are in need of a job or to have (at least) the minimal skill levels for that particular work. In this pandemic, there are more people who cannot afford to be
unemployed any longer, and they need more help than ever.”

Started in February 2020 with a planned investment of RM 10 million, the programme is targeted for those aged 18 to 30 who may be school leavers, unable to continue their studies due to lack of money, unemployed / jobless, or the B40 group from rural areas with limited employment opportunities. Manforce Group will sponsor these individuals to participate in a 6-months practical training course complete with allowances, accommodations, and a certificate to certify the completion of the training course fully conducted by INSAN Development Academy under certification of School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTMSPACE) and ProCel Faculty Economy and Business UNIMAS. Jobs will be guaranteed to those who completed the training - however these individuals are given the choice to choose to start working or to continue their studies to further develop their leadership skills.

YB Senator Datuk Seri Haji Abdul Halim bin Abd Samad, Timbalan Yang di-Petua Dewan Negara said that this programme is in line with Malaysia’s initiative in looking to improve the local employment rate while reducing the dependency on foreign worker intake, which would ultimately bring the employment
rate to a desirable level. “We are facing a very precarious situation, as business owners are facing uncertainties and anxiousness on the future of their businesses yet at the same time they are still in need of people in order for the business to run. While the Government is resolute in preparing Malaysians for jobs of the future and balancing the MCO, we are still grateful to have organisations such as Manforce Group who are not only trying to rebuild the economy, but empowering youths and young adults to stand on their own feet and pave a path for them,” said YB Senator.

Dato’ Paul said the implementation of the programme is not without its challenges, as most of the participants who enrolled travelled from different states in order to undergo this programme - causing a relatively high investment involving tuition fees, logistics, hostels and counselling fees. That said, Dato’ Paul was not deterred and strove together with his team to ensure that this initiative is a success. As of current, the programme is now covering approximately 700 students and are on the road to create 5,000 job opportunities for Malaysians by the end of 2022. “We are adequately prepared to anticipate such challenges and to overcome the necessary obstacles to make this initiative a realisation. Providing worker’s solutions have always been Manforce Group’s expertise for 16 years and counting, we are fully confident that we are able to create more job opportunities to be fulfilled by the locals.”

For more information of this initiative, please visit https://www.manforce.net/

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