Equipping Malaysians with the skills and knowledge to care for their ageing population
Kuala Lumpur, 19 December 2023 – UOA Academy, Yayasan Peneraju and Komune Care today announced a collaboration to offer a Professional Certificate in Elderly Care through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This programme is designed to equip Malaysians with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care for the country’s ageing population.
The event was graced by the presence of Haikal Akmar, Principal & Chief Learning Officer of UOA Academy, Ibrahim Sani, CEO of Yayasan Peneraju and Muntoh Fong, General Manager of Komune Care.
The ageing population in Malaysia is growing rapidly. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the number of people aged 60 and above is expected to reach 6.6 million by 2030, accounting for 20.3% of the population. This presents a significant challenge, as there is a growing need for qualified caregivers to provide care for this population.
The Professional Certificate in Elderly Care is an 8-month program that will equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide quality care for the elderly. The program will cover topics such as gerontology, dementia care, first aid, and communication skills.
The programme will combine 70 percent practical training at Komune Care and 30 percent theoretical learning in the classroom at UOA Academy by a team of experienced coaches and trainers from Komune Care and UOA Academy.
“We are excited to partner with Yayasan Peneraju and Komune Care to offer this important programme,” said Haikal. “The Professional Certificate in Elderly Care will provide Malaysians with the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference in the lives of older adults. This programme will help us to train a new generation of caregivers who can provide the high-quality care that our ageing population deserves. We are committed to providing quality care for older adults. This partnership will help us to expand our reach and provide more Malaysians with access to the care they need,” he added.
The first cohort of the programme commenced in December 2023, welcoming a diverse group of students from the Orang Asli and B40 (low-income) communities. This strategic partnership ensures inclusivity and provides opportunities for individuals from these communities to gain valuable qualifications and enter the workforce with confidence.
