The Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) is a strategic initiative aimed at addressing talent shortages in Johor. It focuses on aligning workforce skills with industry requirements, bridging the gap between talent and job opportunities, and enhancing employability and job matching. The mission of JTDC is to cultivate a skilled, competitive, and adaptable local workforce that meets the evolving demands of Johor’s job market.
JTDC was officially inaugurated by the Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. The launch event, led by the Menteri Besar of Johor, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, emphasized JTDC’s mission to establish a strong local talent pipeline. This includes a focus on improving graduate employability and ensuring workforce skills align with industry needs. Key government and industry leaders attended the launch, highlighting the council’s role in fostering effective collaboration across various sectors.
The following dignitaries were also present: YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education; YB Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Human Resources; YB Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Haji Maslan, Deputy Minister of Works; YB Lee Ting Han, Chairman of the Johor State Investment, Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee; YB Aznan Tamin, Chairman of the Johor Education and Information Committee; and YB Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Haji Azmi Rohani, Secretary of the Johor State Government.
During the ceremony, representatives from industry and academic institutions involved in the ten primary sectors of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) participated in a symbolic exchange. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), represented by the Vice-Chancellor, YBhg. Prof. Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail formally partnered with Princeton Digital Group (PDG), GDS IDC Services, and Supermicro. Prof. Ts. Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs & Alumni, was also present at the ceremony.
The Johor Talent Development Center (JTDC) serves as a collaborative platform connecting higher education institutions, such as UTM, with industry players to foster job placements and enhance career readiness in high-demand sectors, including technology, engineering, and green industries. UTM is committed to taking a leading role in building Johor’s skilled talent pipeline through the JTDC.