KUALA LUMPUR: Following the success of the pilot OKU Talent Enhancement Programme (OTEP) last year, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) will allocate RM2mil to continue the programme.

Announcing this, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the move is to train more persons with disabilities (PWDs), including neurodivergent individuals.

He congratulated HRD Corp for carrying out the OTEP last year where 30 neurodivergent individuals were trained with 15 being employed by big organisations such as RHB Bank and Aeon.

“Looking at the performance and results of the pilot programme last year, RM2mil will be allocated to continue OTEP this year.

“OTEP will provide specific skills training suitable for the disabled, including neurodivergent individuals, and match them with suitable jobs.

“This is in line with the government’s concept where no one is marginalised and no one is left behind.

“We want to ensure that Malaysians regardless of their physical and social conditions, religions and others have the right to achieve their own aspirations in this country,” he said at the launch of the Neurodiversity Inclusion Impact (NII) programme.

The programme was organised by HRD Corp in conjunction with the National Training Week (NTW) 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here yesterday.

It was graced by Johor princess Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were HRD Corp chairman Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid and HRD Corp chief executive Datuk Shahul Dawood. Some 200 attendees were also present, including representatives from various industries, neurodiversity practitioners, academia and non-governmental organisations.

The NII is a part of the broader NTW 2024 initiative, which offers more than 60,000 free courses to over 200,000 Malaysians nationwide.

Asked how many PWDs will benefit from the RM2mil allocation, Sim said it will be difficult to quantify in terms of numbers as each course is specific to certain groups.

He said announcements will be made periodically from the effectiveness of the programme.

“We welcome the participation and partnership from our corporate friends by coming forward not only to offer jobs, but also training.

“We want our community, regardless of their situations, to feel accepted,” he said.

At the event, HRD Corp presented a total of 13 certificates of appreciation to participating employers and training providers such as Aeon Co (M) Bhd, Witprise Sdn Bhd and 99 Speedmart Sdn Bhd.

Apart from the event, five trainers conducted four seminars for 100 individuals, consisting of neurodivergent individuals, their parents and caregivers, employers associations, community leaders as well as policymakers.

The seminars centred on a wide range of topics, including breaking bias surrounding neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, digital skills classes for special needs individuals as well as the roles and support of a job coach.

NTW 2024 will culminate in a two-day training extravaganza at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here tomorrow and Sunday.

For more information on NTW 2024 and to register for the free training programmes, visit www.nationaltrainingweek.gov.my.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/28/successful-pilot-oku-training-initiative-gets-rm2mil