Tingkat kemahiran 1,000 belia India, kurangkan kadar keciciran, gesa Santiago

Former Parliamentarian Charles Santiago has called for the formation of a cross-ministerial committee to address the issue of increasing skill levels among 1,000 Indian youth and reducing school dropout rates. In his address, Santiago emphasized the need for the government to include an initiative in the 2027 budget to achieve this goal.

He proposed setting a specific target of 1,000 Indian youth to participate in skill enhancement programs, which could be achieved through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs, among others. Santiago specifically highlighted the importance of focusing on cybersecurity and digital work skills. He urged the government to establish dedicated initiatives to prevent Indian students from dropping out of the school system, while also setting targets, such as the 1,000 mentioned above.

By providing these students with opportunities to develop practical skills aligned with industry needs and qualifications, they can explore alternative pathways to gain relevant skills and secure employment. Such programs would also help ensure that vulnerable youth are engaged in education or training, thereby reducing their exposure to negative influences, including gang recruitment.

Santiago cautioned against viewing the issue solely as a gangsterism problem within the Indian community, as this could unfairly stigmatize the community. The government should establish a cross-ministerial committee on Indian welfare, chaired by the Prime Minister, to coordinate directly and expedite the implementation of measures benefiting the Indian community, particularly in skill enhancement and addressing school dropout rates.