BETO Training Programme 2.0 Continues Strengthening the National Shipping and Maritime Industry

KLANG, 14 SEPT 2023 –

A total of 20 participants have officially received a letter of offer to participate in the Bridging Electro-Technical Officer (BETO) Training Programme at the official launch of the BETO 2.0 Training Programme held on the MV Polaris, MATRAIN Port, Klang, Selangor. The event was officiated by Puan Rohayah Mohd Zain, Deputy Director General, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). Also present at the opening ceremony was En. Nordin Mohamadin, Deputy Director General (Planning), Malaysian Marine Department (JLM), and Dr. Sharoul Jambari, Chief Executive Officer, Technology Depository Agency (TDA).

The BETO Training Programme is a training course that has been introduced by JLM and run by TDA to help diploma and bachelor’s degree students majoring in electric or electronics or mechatronics to get job opportunities in the shipping and maritime industries.

“The idea of implementing this BETO Training Programme was sparked through the ICP Strategic Document (ISD) for the maritime industry that was developed by TDA in 2016. Through the development and implementation of this program, TDA has outlined a strategy to develop human capital that focuses on creating a quality workforce with skilled workers through specific training programs based on industry demand which will ultimately improve the ability and capacity of the nation’s maritime industry,” said Dr Sharoul Jambari, TDA’s Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2017, new competency standards and certifications have been introduced and become mandatory thus creating a need for qualified electro-technical officers to be placed in the shipping industry. Due to the lack of skilled local manpower as well, the country’s shipping industry is forced to hire about 7,193 or 46 percent of foreign seafarers to comply with these international requirements.

This programme which started in 2018 has involved more than 60 participants sponsored by MARA. To date, a total of 45 certified electro-technical officers have graduated and successfully settled and continued their careers in the shipping industry with a gross income exceeding RM30,000 per month. The BETO 2.0 Training Programme that was officiated today is a continuation of the previous three intakes by giving the opportunity to 60 new participants and has opened its participation to all.

“The BETO Training Programme has not only improved the skills and marketability of local graduates, but has also opened up opportunities for lucrative income returns while also helping to improve the country’s socioeconomics,” said Mr. Nordin Mohamadin, Deputy Director General (Planning), JLM.

“Not only that, this programme is also expected to help JLM in achieving the target of producing 1,000 graduates to meet the needs of the local shipping industry while empowering the Malaysian maritime industry,” he added.