[THE EDGE's INTERVIEW] Not short of investments, but of skilled workers

Work-based learning

Notably, ViTrox Corp Bhd has established its own college, dubbed ViTrox College, which has obtained the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditation to offer diploma courses in electronics, mechatronics and machine vision engineering.

According to ViTrox co-founder, CEO and president Chu Jenn Weng, his aim is to build a strong local ecosystem in Penang by emulating the Silicon Valley ecosystem in California.

“Next year, we will offer more diploma courses in computer science and industrial management. When the time is right, we will apply to offer engineering and computer science degree courses that will help us become a full-fledged university,” he says.

ViTrox College offers work-based learning diploma and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. Its foundation is driven by real-world learning experiences and motivated by a lifelong interest in technology innovation and people competencies.

“Although it is MQA accredited, we are running it very differently. It is work-based and problem-based learning, with a lot of hands-on activities on solving real-world industrial problems together with engineers and technicians. Our lecturers are full-time, fully qualified and experienced. They have years of relevant experience in the fields,” says Chu.

He points out that apart from teaching the knowledge to solve real engineering problems, the college also cultivates the right mindset and culture through what ViTrox is doing.

“Our target for next year’s first batch is below 50 students. We emphasise quality education and we want to pay intensive attention to these students, ensuring that they will do well in their studies with proper guidance and mentoring before we scale,” he adds.

Meanwhile, ViTrox will start building the first block of its five-block Vitrox Institute of Technology (VIT) next year. VIT is anticipated to be a magnet to attract lecturers from around the world to come, teach and do research.

“Talent remains the biggest challenge to support our 10-year master plan. I will have to continue to think about getting, retaining and engaging the right people to expand our market worldwide, mitigating regional risk, as well as designing, developing and manufacturing the right products and solutions for our customers sustainably,” says Chu.

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