Datuk P. Sri Ganes, the president of the Malaysian Skills Foundation, has been awarded the Tokoh Mahir (Skilled Person) 2024 Award for his groundbreaking contributions to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). He received the prestigious award from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof during the Prime Minister’s Golden Hands Award and Tokoh Mahir 2024 ceremony in Putrajaya.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Sri Ganes highlighted his two-decade-long commitment to bridging the gap between industry demands and skilled workforce development. Since 1999, he has been at the forefront of empowering students through innovative TVET initiatives.

One of his most notable contributions is the “study now, pay later” concept, which allows students to undergo skills training without upfront payment. This initiative has opened doors for countless individuals, enabling them to pursue their dreams without financial burdens.

As the founder and CEO of SG Education Group, Sri Ganes has introduced a wide range of industry-relevant programmes, including cutting-edge fields like electric vehicles (EV) and artificial intelligence (AI). Recognising the need for Malaysia to stay ahead in an evolving technological landscape, he also pioneered the country's first drone skills training programme in 2016. This programme was accredited by the Skills Department in 2019, making SG Education Group the first institution in Malaysia to offer nationally recognised drone training.

Sri Ganes emphasised the vital role of collaboration between public and private sectors in enhancing TVET programmes. “Continuous support from the government and industry is key to the success of flexible and effective TVET initiatives. We must focus on providing practical training opportunities, exposure to the latest technologies, and global access to prepare our graduates for future challenges,” he said.

As the deputy president of the IoT Association of Malaysia, Sri Ganes continues to advocate for TVET as a career path with tremendous potential. By aligning TVET programmes with industry needs and introducing innovative concepts, he has significantly contributed to producing a highly skilled workforce for Malaysia’s future.
Source / Image Credit : Bernama