The Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions (Sarawak Skills) recently launched a short course in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance with the first batch of trainees completing the course on 14 December 2023.

The two-day “Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance” course was conducted at the Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (AWISAR) located at the Demak Laut Industrial Estate, Kuching. A total of fifteen (15) participants, comprising Automotive Workshop Owners, Engineers and Technicians registered for the course. AWISAR is part of the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions.

As part of his address during the closing ceremony of the aforementioned course, Mr. Hallman bin Sabri, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills thanked the participants for taking that all-important first step to equip themselves with industry-relevant skill sets, specifically in the area of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Service and Maintenance. He also highlighted, “The course covers an overview of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles with a focus on working principles, technologies, and safety working procedures around electric/hybrid vehicles. There was also a session on electric/hybrid vehicle hazard management for emergency and recovery personnel. During the two-day programme, the practical sessions enabled the participants to gain first-hand knowledge and skills in the aforementioned areas. Indeed, this programme will boost industry-relevant knowledge and skills for those involved in this industry, including engineers, supervisors and technicians.”

With regard to related developments at the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions, Mr. Hallman who is also the Chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Skills Development Centres (FMSDC) shared,  “In line with the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the State’s ongoing initiatives in carbon reduction emission, Sarawak Skills and i-CATS University College (i-CATS UC) will be establishing a Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen Supply Chain Technologies in 2024. To facilitate the transfer of relevant new technologies, a delegation from Sarawak Skills and i-CATS UC recently visited four (4) organizations in the People’s Republic of China. This is an important milestone for Sarawak Skills together with i-CATS UC and our strategic partners in China to contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole in line with the aspirations of our state and nation. In this respect, Sarawak Skills and i-CATS UC will be sending a team of Instructors and Lecturers to the organizations in China to jointly develop hydrogen related training programmes, and embark on research and development. A group of experts from Foshan Polytechnic will be coming to Sarawak Skills Kuching to assist with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen Supply Chain Technologies. This will go a long way towards ensuring the successful transfer of relevant new technologies.” He added, “Sarawak Skills will also be establishing a Certified Training Centre for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in Sarawak. This will support the transformation of Sarawak’s six key economic sectors (main engines of growth) in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).”

Mr. Hallman also shared that due to numerous requests from various automotive centres and workshops, training for the second batch will be held in January 2024. This programme would also be suitable for members of the public who are interested to learn about hybrid and electric vehicles service and maintenance.

For more information, please contact Ts. Jaidil bin Yakop, General Manager of AWISAR (082-496280, 019-8591370, e-mail: jaidil@ppks.edu.my). Information on various corporate training programmes can also be obtained from Sarawak Skills’ website: sarawakskills.edu.my.