Questions/Answers

The Malaysian Youth Transformational Vocational (MYTV) program is an initiative undertaken by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) through collaboration with other Government agencies, states and private agencies/sectors to improve the people’s lives and respond to their needs with emphasis toward providing technical skill to youth in remote area. Thus, enabling them to enter into the labour market and be employed. This will contribute towards improving their living standards especially for their families living in remote area. This initiative fulfils Category 1 of UNPSA in reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and partnerships. It is carried out in the State of Sarawak located in the Borneo Island. The Malaysian’s government faces problems/challenges in implementing its initiatives, policies, programmes and plans for the development of youths in the rural areas of Sarawak. These difficulties are due to Sarawak’s dispersed populations living in remote areas, the reluctance of the youths in leaving their village and the nature of lifestyle being unable to blend in with outsiders. They are significantly diverse in culture, administration and lifestyle. Sarawak covers 124,450 sq. km and stretches over 750km comprising 37.5% land area of Malaysia (slightly larger than South Korea). It has a population of 2.4 million with 27 main ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions and way of life. Majority of them are without higher education as they are reluctant to leave their homes. The MYTV initiative facilitates collaboration of the MAF with related agencies and brings vocational training to the rural areas rather than the conventional approach requiring rural people to enter vocational training centres in the city. Thus, this initiative addresses the problems of the reluctant of the youth seeking knowledge technical skills which would in turn assist the government transformation programme for remote and interiors area.

The main objective of the MYTV initiative is to introduce an idea/practice that is unique in Malaysia for reaching the poor and the vulnerable in the rural areas of Sarawak and ensuring that they made progress towards their career goals. It aims to benefit rural youths who are left behind in terms of educations and standards of living. This initiative reduces the gap between the rural population and urban population. Also, it narrows the socio-economic gap between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. With the objective of reaching the poor and vulnerable, this initiative provides access to vocational training for the youths by promoting partnerships among the government, non-government agencies and private sectors. It is done by mobilising and sharing of knowledge, skills, technologies and financial resources for youths seeking vocational training. Thus, this new approach in delivering training allows youths to obtain training easier. It would also allow easier access to information about public services and training. This initiative also provides space and opportunity for government agencies to reach out and disseminate information to the people on government policies. Besides, it helps in reducing bureaucracy and establish collaboration between agencies within the government either at federal or state levels.

The MYTV initiative fits into the selected category of reaching the poor and the vulnerable rural youths through inclusive services and partnerships. The approach implemented through the MYTV program is by bringing the relevant agencies into the rural areas rather than the conventional approach which require remote youths to obtain vocational training in the city. Through the MYTV program, participants do not have to spend on transportation, lodging and food in the city for acquiring technical and vocational skills. This initiative allows them to gain knowledge in their own villages and improve their socio-economic status. For example, by opening small businesses such as mobile barber shop and confectionary to obtain socio-economic benefits. The MYTV initiative provides opportunity for government agencies to reach out to the people and disseminating information on policies. It helps in reducing bureaucracy and establishing collaboration between agencies at federal and state levels. The program has a positive impact and desirable change on the local population especially in rural areas. Through direct involvement by the State Government that provides cooperation in terms of administration, logistics and coordination of other agencies involvement, this program can be successfully implemented in line with the Prime Minister's aspiration to prosper the public service.

This MYTV initiative improves the delivery of public services by creating a mechanism that can help the poor and the needy in obtaining information easily on the availability of vocational training and public services relating to sustainable goals and their own rights to training and education. The mechanism also allows feedback regarding the relevancy, quality and cost of the public services, report of any wrongdoing and initiating investigations. People‘s lives can be improved by this initiative as the coordinated government agencies provide services in rural areas. It provides a platform for the MAF as the lead coordinating agency to serve the people in the rural areas. MAF provides facilities and logistics to collaborating agencies in implementing the program. Through the Mobile Outreach Program (MOP) of the MYTV initiative, improvement of the services is seen in the core services such as medical and dental services. In total, 700,000 people attended the program and 20,000 received medical treatment in hospitals while 10,000 received dental treatments. The target groups and local community needs are fulfilled through services provided such as identity card registration and driving licenses renewal. It also provides a platform for ministries to communicate with the people. This is in line with the Chief Minister of Sarawak’s slogan of “To serve the public”.

This MYTV program initiative is aimed at impacting youths in rural areas of the state of Sarawak who are with less education qualification and are unable to afford and continue their studies or training to a higher level. To overcome this problem, the MAF and the government agencies are providing services which are now accessible to youths in rural areas. In terms of logistics, the MAF utilises its assets for transporting course equipment and trainers to the rural areas of Sarawak by land, sea or air. Similarly, trainers from other agencies are also deployed into the rural areas to provide vocational training. Thus, this initiative has addressed the issues of the reluctant of youths leaving their homes. Consequently, it has also addressed the issue of expenses incurred on shelter and transportation. Additionally, the issue of adaptation to changing environment has also been addressed. This MYTV is also of significance as it provides skills trainings and offer opportunities for youths in rural areas so that they can explore employment in the industrial, construction, food industry, beauty, haircut, dance and agriculture industries which will help them to upgrade their own lives as well as generate economic activities.

The initiative has impacted positively on the rural youths specifically the Penan people. The initiative has trained 65 youth from this group that have already qualified themselves in the Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), Constructions Academy of Malaysia, the Community College and the Sarawak Women and Family Department. Many of them have obtained employment in various sectors such as welder in ship building industries, bakeries and beautician. Thus, the standard of living of youths in rural areas are enhances to higher level. This employment helps in reducing crime rates and social ills created by unemployed youths. The Mobile Outreach Programmes (MOP) in the MYTV initiative has also impacted on the sense of bonding between the different ethnic groups participating in the training. As such, it enhanced better understanding of each other culture and lifestyle. Thus, it created tolerance and harmony among the youths. Another impact was also seen in the youths’ appreciation of the implemented initiative. This initiative has also an impact on the mindset of the youths to have better trust towards government policies and programmes. It will also contribute towards nations building as a whole.

The MYTV initiative is a distinctively new approach and innovative idea that is very unique in the provision of public service in Malaysia. Previously, the approach of obtaining vocational training lies in the trainees and not the trainers but the responsibilities now lies with the trainer whereby trainers are now training the trainees with vocational training in the rural areas. It is also innovative in that there are collaborations being done between government and non-government agencies instead of a single agency approach. The collaboration program between the MAF and the Sarawak State Government provides vocational training to 120-200 youths within 14 days for each program. Participants follow theory and practical classes taught by trainers from the MAF and other agencies. Unlike previously, on completion of their course/training, participants will be given basic items to start their career such as equipment/tools for those who intent to open barber shop, cosmetic outlets and others. Additionally, participants can use their certificates to continue their studies at training centres such as CENTEXS, Constructions Academy of Malaysia, Department of Agriculture and Sarawak Women and Family Department. Among the courses offered are construction courses, food industry, beauty, hair dressing, dances and agriculture.

The innovation used in this initiative is original and is not adapted from other initiatives. This initiative was initially presented at the state level of Sarawak to the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Department. Subsequently, the program was presented at the Ministerial level to the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MIDAS) and then it was proposed as a program during the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) Summit in Putrajaya (Malaysia’s Government National Administrative Centre) on March 13, 2015. During the implementation of NBOS, the MAF was able to train youths or teenagers who were innovative but unable to work because they do not have qualifications that are recognised by public sectors or private agencies. Its originality also lies in the unprecedented collaboration efforts between government, non-government and private sectors. In terms of implementations of the programme, there was no previous programme implemented in the rural areas by private sector or agencies due to the remoteness of the rural areas and inadequate logistic support. Nevertheless, the MAF is now available to coordinate the requirement. Contrary, the MYTV program can be said to have been adapted from another NBOS construction project handled by the Royal Engineer Regiment that was implemented from 2010 until 2014. However, this NBOS construction project did not involve vocational trainings.

Financial resource was one of the main sources/reasons for the success of this MYTV program. It was funded by the National Strategic Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Office, the Sarawak Women and Family Department, PETRONAS and Member of Parliament’s contributions. Human resources in form of trainers/instructors were sourced from the MAF, Construction Industry Development Board, Construction Academy of Malaysia, the Sarawak Community College, the Sarawak Vocational Training Institution, the Sarawak Women and Family Department, the Agriculture Department and Sarawak Arts Council. Teams of trainers/instructors were led by the MAF. While the Unit of Labour Development and the State Implementation Monitoring Unit under the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Department were the main coordinators of the program. Additionally, the Territorial Army Headquarters is the strategic partner of the State Government of Sarawak in planning and monitoring the program. Finally, Headquarters 1st Division serves as the main implementer of the program. Materials were obtained from PETRONAS for building materials. The Sarawak’s Women and Family Department contributed materials and equipment for beautician courses/training. Participants did not spend on transportation and food during their courses as the facilities and amenities were provided by the organisers.

Yes

The MYTV initiative is adaptable and transferable to other States and regions. The MYTV program started in Sarawak in 2015. Following its success, the Malaysian Army Field Command East has instructed that the program to be expanded and extended to Sabah. Subsequently, the MYTV program was presented to the Minister of Youth and Sports on January 23, 2017 in which the Sabah's Youth and Sports Minister has agreed to become the coordinator of MYTV in Sabah. Follow up meetings with the State Secretary of Sabah are continuing to be held to gain new insights and ideas for the implementation of the MYTV program in Sabah so that it can be further enhanced in terms of type course conducted. The first few series of this program have been implemented by the Sabah’s State Government in the Pagalungan area whereby the trainings/courses offered were handicraft, beautician, culinary, agriculture and constructions. It was implemented on September 10, 2017 until September 24, 2017. Meanwhile in 2018, the first few series of the MYTV programs have been established and it is expected to be implemented from 28 February 2018 to 11 March 2018 in Kota Marudu, Sabah.

The MYTV initiative is sustainable over a significant period of time as it is supported by its stakeholders involving the government and non-government agencies. It is also sustainable in view of the great social and economic benefits generated for the people in the rural areas. The MYTV initiative does not have adverse environmental consequences. The sustainability of MYTV has been proven through a survey conducted by the Social Development Council (SDC), Ministry of Social Development and Urbanisation. Reports were given to the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Office and the National Strategic Unit of the Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister's Department for the implementation of 9 programs. The result showed that the program was sustainable. MYTV should continue in the future as it has fostered the needs of rural people who are still lagging behind in economic development. The SDC reported that the MYTV program has a very high impact with fairly low cost implementation. The programs were well received by rural communities because such programs have never been implemented earlier. Good response was received because they did not have to spend any capital for meals, accommodation and transportation. They were provided free of charge. The initiative is sustainable because the MAF have asset to enter the hard-to-reach areas. They have the expertise of trainers in construction, culinary, and welding. The MAF can work with public agencies that provide vocational training such as CIDB, Community College and others. With the cooperation between these agencies, this MYTV program is sustainable. The MYTV program has close cooperation from residents and district officials. They have been working together to provide training and facilities. With this provision, the administration of the MYTV program could run smoothly and cost-effectively because logistics and requirements could be provided for free. Therefore, this program could be maintained.

The MYTV initiative is sustainable through time as it continues to cater to Sarawak's vision of achieving advanced state status in 2030 and Malaysia continues to work towards achieving a developed nation. From the results of surveys done on several implemented programs, many of the elected representatives have expressed similar intention that the MYTV initiative should be sustainable and will continue in the future. This is so as generally, people still need courses offered by this MYTV program such as culinary, bakery, hair dressing, beautician, agriculture, constructions, welding and handicraft courses which do not require specific advanced courses, in which on completion of their training and courses, the participants can start their own business and livelihood. To be sustainable and durable in time, the MYTV initiative has to continue to be relevant. As it is, the implementation of the MYTV Program has been one of the most relevant programs conducted in Sarawak. It has become one of the state government transformation efforts for disseminating information and providing services to the Sarawak’s communities and targeting the rural residents. Additionally, the services provided had eased the burden of rural residents and the training given to youths involved with this initiative has enhanced the skills and economic level of the youths. This program has also been fulfilling the national agenda of "People First, Achievements Focused ", whereby it is fully supporting the current policies and focus of the government for transformation away from the city. This initiative can continue to progress for many years as the requirement of training for youths will continue in demand as most of the rural areas have not undergone the programme yet. Since 2015, only 9 of the 32 districts have undertaken the MYTV programmes.

Yes

The MYTV initiative has been formally evaluated in surveys done by the Social Development Council (SDC). SDC has conducted surveys and interviews on the effectiveness of the MYTV program to assess the level of acceptances of the programme by the population. The survey questionnaires were distributed to participant of the MYTV program. The results of the survey shows that 95% of the participants (1181 participants) agreed and were satisfied with the implemented program. Nevertheless, 5% of the participants (59 participants) disagreed with the program because of the type of training provided did not meet their needs. Another reason for disagreement was due to family commitments. Consequently, the MYTV program has since been improved from the day it was initially introduced. It has increased from 2 to 5 courses. Evaluation of the MYTV initiative also indicates that among the reactions of individuals surveyed, they showed a sense of gratitude in that their area was selected for the MYTV program. They expressed heartiest gratefulness to the MAF and the other public agencies for their willingness to engage their services at the rural areas to carry out the MYTV programs despite the difficulty and accessibility into the hard-to-reach areas.

The outcome of the evaluation of the impact of the MYTV initiative shows positive feedback received from participants. The evaluation indicates that a total of 1181 youths were trained in various skills. Of these numbers, 40% of participants were of the aged of 16 to 25, 53% of participants were of age of 26 to 45 years and 7% of participants were from 46 to 55 of age. The evaluation shows that as a result of the exposure provided to them, the program has provided opportunity for them to pursue skilled training at higher institutions in Sarawak. Based on records, a total of 23 people from Penan have had the opportunity to attend technical training at the CENTEXS College, Santubong. In addition to that, 23 participants from Dalat and Baram had continued their training at the Construction Academy of Malaysia while 22 youths from Murum and Nyalau had also continued training at CENTEXS and Sarawak’s Women and Family Department. Majority of the participants who have attended the program are interested in continuing the program in future to improve their knowledge in the areas they have learned. They are also confident that through this program they will be able to expand their future career as it would assist them in finding a better job.

Indicators used to show evidence of the impact on improving people’s live are the numbers of MYTV programs, numbers of participants trained and the commendation letters received. MAF and the other agency's ability to implement nine series of MYTV programs successfully received recognition from other government and non-government agencies such as letters of appreciation from the Sarawak’s State Secretary, the Chief Minister's Department and the village heads representing the people. It was also well-received by the Sabah’s State Government. The other indicator is the highlighting of MYTV program in Sarawak NBOS’s series of lectures and briefings to the people. Among the briefing sessions and lectures given were that of the Town Hall Session Lectures involving Directors and the Heads of the Sarawak State Government Department on 27 March 2017. Additionally, the “Come and Assist Sarawak” briefing chaired by the Director of the Strategic Planning Division, Prime Minister's Office has also used MYTV program for his briefing. The program received recognition of the State Government by awarding appreciation medals to 22 officers and military personnel in 2016 and 15 medals in 2015. Letter of Appreciation from the State Government has also been granted to the Malaysian Army Field Command East which had assisted and contributed well in running the program.

The implementation of the MYTV initiative involved wide-ranging stakeholders namely the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Sarawak State Government, the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), the Construction Academy of Malaysia, the Sarawak Community College, Sarawak Vocational Training Centre, the Sarawak’s Women and Family Department, the Sarawak Arts Council, the Culture Division of the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and Agriculture Department. The initiative was led by the MAF. The main coordinators of the initiative comprised of the Sarawak Implementation and Monitoring Unit (SIMU) from the Sarawak’s Chief Minister Department and the UPTK. The Territory Army Headquarters was the implementer of this program. On the other hand, the State Government of Sarawak was one of the Strategic Partner involving in the planning and monitoring the program. Besides that, the Sarawak Energy Corporation provided the facilities such as accommodation and transportation for the trainees in rural areas. Additionally, Sarawak Energy Corporation also donated materials for the construction of fences in the training areas (Murum). The other government and private agencies involved the Sarawak University of Malaysia (University of Malaysia Sarawak - UNIMAS), the Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation) and Sarawak United Youth Organisation which played their roles in assessing the impact of this program towards the residents of Sarawak and Sabah. For every program of a 14 days duration, the collaboration between the MAF and the Sarawak State Government provides vocational training for 120 to 200 youths. Theory and practical classes were conducted by trainers from the MAF and the other agencies involved.

The MYTV initiative provides some key lessons learnt. Foremost, innovative approach could be used to implement programs in reaching the poor in rural areas through inclusive services and partnerships. The initiative shows that effective collaboration, engagement, coordination, partnership and inclusion promote engagement of various actors and stakeholders. Close cooperation between government departments/agencies and private sectors that have expertise in their respective fields have an added advantage for implementation of the initiative. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised in ensuring that there is no duplication of efforts by different agencies in providing the same skills to the participants/trainees i.e. each agency has to be specified the training to be provided to trainees in accordance with their expertise. In the implementation of this initiative, it is found that different area requires different set of training/courses and skills. As a way forward, the success of the MYTV initiative shows that similar kind of program could be implemented for the development of the country. In the current advancement of mass-media, it is suggested that further improvement of the initiative could be done by the inclusion of effective media coverage. At the least, the media through its news and information dissemination could help to target more participation in the MYTV programs