L’oréal Malaysia partners MoE to elevate vocational training

It aims to ‘future-proof’ cosmetology students for the job market through training and upskilling, facilitation of knowledge transfers and opportunities for industry exposure

by INTAN BAHA

L’ORÉAL Malaysia has stepped up to the plate in support of the government’s call for industry partners to tackle the issue of skills mismatch among graduates. The leader in the beauty industry signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Technical Vocational Education and Training Division (BPLTV) on June 27. 

This partnership is a strategic move that shows its dedication in bridging the gap between the graduates’ skills and what employers actually need. By teaming up with MoE, L’Oréal Malaysia aims to contribute to the growth and improvement of technical vocational education and training programmes. 

Together, they’ll be working hand in hand to identify ways to integrate industry expertise into the curriculum. The goal? Ensuring that graduates are armed with the practical skills and know-how that’ll make them super employable in today’s job market. 

It also aims to “future-proof ” cosmetology students for the job market through training and upskilling, facilitation of knowledge transfers and opportunities for industry exposure. 

L’Oréal Malaysia’s proactive involvement in this initiative is inspiring, and it’s a great example for other companies to follow suit. MD Tomas Hruska said it is believed that a company’s success goes beyond economic performance because social and environmental contributions are equally important.

“In Malaysia, we are committed to growing our business responsibly, sustainably and inclusively. This five-year partnership with the MoE is a testament to our commitment to giving back to the communities while empowering the industry with good talents,” he said. 

Throughout the collaboration period, the primary focus will be on empowering students in the field of cosmetology. There are a total of 86 vocational colleges across Malaysia, including 17 institutions specialising in cosmetology. 

“This dynamic public-private partnership (PPP) between MoE and L’Oréal Malaysia will have a series of initiatives designed to empower Malaysian youth, enhance the skills of teachers and foster the transfer of knowledge. 

“With L’Oréal’s support, particularly for the ministry’s BPLTV, students in pursuit of cosmetology will have access to various opportunities that will accelerate the development of their skills and aptitude in the industry, as well as open broad and fruitful pathways in their careers through internship and employment opportunities at L’Oréal Malaysia and its companies,” said TVET senior deputy director Zulkernai Fauzi in his speech at the MoU signing at JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (KL). 

According to Zulkernai, the partnership will implement measures to equip teachers and graduates with up-to-date skills and mastery of recent technology advancements to address skills mismatch and boost graduates’ readiness for employment. 

“We trust that this long-term partnership will greatly benefit our cosmetology students and teachers, especially in ensuring that they have the skills and expertise to meet the needs of the beauty industry. We’d also like to commend L’Oréal Malaysia for their support. It’s a win-win partnership for the nation when the public and private sectors work together. 

“We also hope that in time, this partnership would also include opportunities for our business students to gain insights and invaluable business coaching from the beauty industry. 

“This partnership establishes a solid foundation for a highly beneficial and collaborative relationship that leads to producing more holistic, skilled and well-rounded graduates that can compete in an international arena,” he added. 

MoE is hopeful that this strategic partnership would in time include opportunities for students to gain insights and invaluable business coaching from the beauty industry.