PEKAN: The government has provided various types of training for youth to boost their skills and prepare them for the knowledge economy, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

The deputy prime minister said the BN government did not rely merely on slogans but had provided a comprehensive programme to mould the younger generation into skilled workers.

"It's the government's responsibility to produce well-equipped youth who can take the country to a higher level of success," he said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Paloh Hinai near here yesterday.

The government has allocated RM110 million for the project.

Present was Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Najib said centres such as the IKBN would also help supply skilled workers for the new development corridors, such as the East Coast Economic Region.

"We want our youths to have first-class minds and will motivate them to face future challenges."

Najib said it was the government's aim to have a tech-savvy younger generation.

"We want them to look beyond opening a grocery or bicycle repair shop. Even someone with a village background should know how to repair and maintain an aircraft."

Azalina said the ministry had always accorded priority to the development of human capital among the youth.

source: The New Straits Times