The Star Online: Metro: South & East
The Star Online: Metro: South & East |
- Dr Ongkili: Prawn and swiftlet farming to benefit Kota Marudu
- Modular courses at Community Colleges a hit with youths
- Hands-on youth programme
| Dr Ongkili: Prawn and swiftlet farming to benefit Kota Marudu Posted: 23 Nov 2011 04:03 AM PST KOTA KINABALU: Prawn rearing and swiftlet farming will hasten the transformation of Kota Marudu into a prime agricultural centre. The two high-yield industries — identified as strategic activities for the district under the National Key Economic Areas — would also see Kota Marudu turned into an economic hub, said Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili. He added that both lucrative activities would further complement other modern agricultural activities undertaken in the district, which included stevia (sweet herb) and vanilla cultivation. "Efforts have been made to promote swiftlet farming as the district is conducive for the birds whose nests can fetch a very high price in the market. "At the moment, 30 swiftlet hostels have been developed for commercial purposes while 43 projects have been carried out under the e-Kasih list of hardcore poor to generate income for poor rural folks. "With these activities, we hope Kota Marudu's economic growth will be accelerated, aside from bringing the desirable outcomes of generating income and employment for the people," said Dr Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP. Dr Ongkili commented on this at the launch of the district's annual Pesta Jagung (Maize festival) recently. Also present were Tandek assemblyman Anita Baranting and Banggi assemblyman Datuk Abdul Mijul Unaini. The festival, in its 10th year now, is held annually to promote maize as one of the main crops in Kota Marudu and areas surrounding the district. It serves as an avenue to promote various modern technologies to enhance the cultivation of maize as well as other agricultural produce. Various activities carried out in conjunction with the two-day festival included the Ratu Jagung (Maize Queen) contest, stall exhibition by government and private agencies, and telematches like the tug–of–war for visitors. Mosti is also taking part in the exhibition to showcase technologies developed by its agencies that could be useful for farmers. One such technology was the corn thrasher machine developed by Technology Park Malaysia. Dr Ongkili, who was also Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia chairman, also presented 20 units of Idola laptops to the Kota Marudu Girl Guides Association. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Modular courses at Community Colleges a hit with youths Posted: 23 Nov 2011 04:03 AM PST PASIR GUDANG: The National Modular Skills Curriculum offered at Community Colleges nationwide has managed to attract more than 17,000 students since it was launched last year. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the short skill training courses were a hit among the youth especially those who were weak in their studies or those who did not like to study for long periods of time. "The courses last from two to six months and this is the main difference from skill training courses offered at other institutions," he said after launching the Pasir Gudang Community College Carnival here recently. Mohamed Khaled said some of the most popular courses include business studies, beauty, culinary and fashion-related courses. "I urge community colleges to come up with more modular programmes as it has the potential to help youth develop the required skills before entering the workforce," he said. He added that the short courses which include about 77 different modules of choice was also an attractive option for those who were already in the workforce. "Community colleges nationwide should focus on developing these modular courses as it is also in line with the government's aim of providing lifelong education for all," he said adding that currently most people who join the workforce only possess their SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) qualifications. Mohamed Khaled said those who enrolled with the programme would only be charged a nominal fee of RM10 a month and would also receive studying allowance of RM250 a month. Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Posted: 22 Nov 2011 04:12 PM PST MALACCA: Disabled youth Daniel Kan was all smiles as he bustled around serving food at the Wings Malacca Centre for Developmental Disabilities. It was class time for him, but this learning experience was certainly different and fun for the 19-year-old who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Kan is a student in the centre's Young Adults Programme (YAP) and part of his training involves preparation to enter the job market. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Kan would be busy waiting tables at the YAP cafe. Centre director Dr Lim Boon Hock said YAP's goal was to enable its students to live the life of a typical young adult. "If a student has the potential, we want to provide him the skills to move into open employment. "Kan, for instance, can learn to work in a food stall or even a restaurant if the employer is supportive," added Dr Lim. Wings Malacca was set up in 1998 by a group of parents with children who had special needs. The centre, located in Shellabear Hall, off Jalan Tengkera is also providing an Early Intervention Programme for children below six years old as well as a 'School Age Programme' for 12 year olds and above. For details, call 06-286 2926 or visit www.wingsmelaka.com.my Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Star Online: Metro: South & East To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 ulasan:
Catat Ulasan