The Selangor state government is developing Malaysia’s first Water University ecosystem model in strategic collaboration with Air Selangor, Unisel, and STDC.
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor state government is developing Malaysia’s first Water University ecosystem model to strengthen the competency development agenda for the country’s water industry.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the initiative is being implemented in stages through a strategic collaboration between Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor), Universiti Selangor (Unisel) and the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC).
He said the collaboration, which began last year, is already yielding results, with 138 participants having completed their studies at Unisel, while another 1,500 participants are expected to obtain the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) through STDC.
“The Water University ecosystem model is being developed based on three main pillars, namely talent development, strengthening skills in line with industry needs, and building the future workforce.
“Various initiatives will be implemented, including curricula incorporating industry training, competency certification, and upskilling and reskilling programmes suited to technological changes and industry requirements,” he said after the launch of the collaboration programme here today.
Also present were Air Selangor chief executive officer Adam Saffian Ghazali and Unisel vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Hassan Basri.
Amirudin said provided everything proceeds smoothly, the programme could eventually offer studies ranging from the diploma and bachelor’s degree levels up to the master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels.
He said the courses would not only train workers and develop future leaders in water management but also recognise the experience and skills of workers in the field.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said Air Selangor is targeting electricity cost savings of between 10 and 20 per cent through the installation of solar panels at three major water treatment plants (WTPs) over the next two years.
“Air Selangor currently incurs electricity bills amounting to nearly RM400 million annually. This initiative has the potential to reduce operating expenditure and allow financial resources to be channelled towards other needs, including staff training and improvements to the free water programme for the people.
“The installation of solar panels at the Sungai Selangor 2 WTP has been carried out, while the installation at the other two plants is expected to take at least two years,” he said.