Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Defence through the Defence White Paper gives high priority and commitment to human capital and socioeconomic development initiatives for potential retirees and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
The chairman of Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (Perhebat), General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (retired), said this included initiatives to help the target group by providing training programs and second career opportunities after service.
According to Zulkifeli, Perhebat is responsible for implementing the transition training program in technical, vocational (TVET) and entrepreneurship as a second career enabler for military veterans.
“As of May this year, a total of 3,256 retiring ATM members have successfully completed transition training across Malaysia,” he said, noting that out of the total, Sabah recorded 168.
Zulkifeli said to provide added value and opportunities to members and veterans to continue their studies to a higher level and increase their marketability in the employment sector, Perhebat in collaboration with the Skills Development Department (JPK) has implemented the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) Programme which provides a Certificate Malaysian Skills (SKM), Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) and Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma (DLKM).
Zulkifeli handed out Malaysian Skills Diploma certificates to some 44 recipients and Sijil Latihan Peralihan to 116 recipients at a ceremony at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), here.
The recipients comprised ATM personnel (in-service), veterans, and retiring ATM personnel.
The diplomas are awarded through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) programme.
Zulkifeli added PERHEBAT is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with various ministries and agencies.
This includes such things as the ATM Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (PUVET ATM), VETERAN MyWIRA in collaboration with Talent Corp., a financial financing fund with Agrobank, the PUTRA-PERHEBAT entrepreneurship program in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and a digital marketing program with MAXIS.
“All these initiatives are in line with ATM Veterans’ Socioeconomic Status Improvement Strategy to help veterans in the B40 group improve their living standards.”
