The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and Labtech International Ltd. through the coordination with the Department of Polytechnic and Community College (DPCCE), Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Malaysia recently implemented the Online In-Country Program for Malaysia on the Training of Trainers on Renewable Energy Systems Using Virtual TVET last May 15 to 18, 2023. A total of twenty-one (21) TVET officials, administrators, and trainers from Malaysian TVET institutes have participated and completed the four-day training.
This program was primarily designed to provide the participants an in-depth understanding of the principles of Renewable and Green Technology components using a digital TVET framework featuring 3D animated models. The methodologies implemented by Labtech International include interactive digital simulations using the latest gaming technology in the industry. This is done in the hopes of incorporating digital technology in the teaching delivery in TVET institutions across CPSC member countries.
Supervising the program were Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, Labtech International Ltd. President; and Dr. Mohd Zahari bin Ismail, DPCCE Director General. The program was facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, General Manager of Labtech Academy who delivered most of the lectures and oversaw the workshops. Mr. Ian Andrew, Labtech International Ltd. Consultant and TVET Specialist also served as a guest lecturer during the program.
The opening ceremony which was held on May 15, 2023 was attended by key officials from CPSC, Labtech International Ltd, and DPCCE, Malaysia. During his opening remarks, Prof. Wickramasinghe stressed the importance of the work that both CPSC and Labtech have been implementing for the past year in providing online training for TVET trainers all over the Asia Pacific. He also emphasized the integral role of DPCCE, Malaysia in its continued support to CPSC and hoped for more collaborations in the future. Likewise, in his opening remarks, DPCCE’s Director for Competency and Career Enhancement Division Mr. Zulkurnain bin Shahadan, who represented the DPCCE’s Director General, provided insights on the significance of teaching renewable energy in the current status of TVET and wished the participants good luck for the duration of the program.
The four-day training consisted of lectures and workshops that taught the participants about mechanisms and innovative tools in digital TVET learning in the field of renewable energy systems. Workshops were facilitated to help the participants better understand how to maximize the use of virtual TVET frameworks, explore various approaches in blended (hybrid) learning, and create lesson plans using digital technology. Labtech also showcased some of their best practices on renewable energy including safety measures for their equipment implemented by their trainers.
The closing ceremony was held on May 18, 2023. In attendance were key officials from CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. Some selected participants gave brief reflections and expressions of appreciation to the program organizers. Moreover, CPSC Governing-Board Engaged Faculty Consultant Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, who gave the closing remarks on behalf of CPSC’s Director General, extended the Staff College’s gratitude towards Labtech International Ltd. and DPCCE, for their unwavering support and commitment to develop and implement programs with CPSC.
Screenshot of the program management and participants
