NORTHPORT (M) Bhd, a member of MMC Group, is committed to promoting human capital development by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Human Resources Ministry’s (MOHR) Department of Skills Development (DSD).

The MOU was signed by Northport CEO Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof and the DSD DG Ts Zuleah Darsong.

The signing of the document signified a crucial step for both parties to collaboratively develop a skilled workforce in the field of port management and operations.

Northport was represented by its human capital division GM Norzalinda Mohamed while Zuleah represented DSD, with DSD secretary general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud witnessed.

This agreement encompasses various collaborative areas, including the sharing of expertise, knowledge, services and consultancy in port industry management and operations.

The agreement also includes the implementation and promotion of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM).

Azman said as an industry practitioner, Northport is highly committed to actively facilitating government-led programmes and initiatives in developing skilled workers while also promoting a culture of continuous learning within the organisation.

“Through this partnership with DSD, Northport aims to explore opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in the areas of port management and operations.

“With 123 years of experience in managing the port in Port Klang and earning various recognitions since its inception, Northport brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of this collaboration,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Zuleah said this strategic partnership signifies a commitment between both parties to nation-building, as the port and logistics industry is crucial for Malaysia.

“Our dedication to promoting skilled workers in port management and operations through this collaboration aligns with our vision and mission to build a sustainable foundation, fostering a knowledgeable, competitive and world-class skilled workforce for the country,” she said.

DSD, an agency under MOHR, plays a role in advancing national skills training.

This includes developing the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS), implementing SKM, training skills instructors and promoting collaborations for skills training initiatives.

Northport has maintained a longstanding collaboration with the MOHR and DSD since 2014, during which SKM accreditation has been granted to 997 Northport employees.

This partnership has been instrumental in improving industry standards and empowering the skills and capabilities of Northport staff to meet the demands of the port sector.

Northport had previously demonstrated its commitment to developing a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the ports and logistics industry through strategic collaborations with local higher learning and training institutions.

In October 2023, Northport signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Kolej WIT Sdn Bhd, a collaboration aimed at facilitating industrial training, with a specific focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Northport further broadened its commitment to collaborative education and professional development by signing MOUs with the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) and CLLB Sdn Bhd in October and December 2023, respectively.

These agreements aimed to conduct, facilitate and accommodate programmes related to industrial training, human resource development, academic learning and certifications, with a particular focus on the fields of ports and logistics.

In January 2024, Northport further continued its commitment to empower development of TVET by signing an MOU with Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), the first technical university in Malaysia.

The primary objective of the MOU was to facilitate the sharing of experiences, expertise, technical proficiency, resources and knowledge between both parties. — TMR / pic courtesy of Northport