PADANG TERAP – The official visit by the Chairman of the Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), YBhg. Dato’ Seri Diraja Mahdzir bin Khalid, to Kedah Rubber City (KRC) reflects KEDA’s continued commitment to ensuring that the state’s economic development directly benefits the people, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and human capital development.

The visit aimed to review the latest progress of the iconic KRC project, including the construction of the Prinx Chengshan tyre manufacturing plant, as well as to receive a comprehensive development briefing from the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA).

Also accompanying the visit were KEDA Deputy General Manager (Operations), Mr. Khairul Azmeer bin Abu Bakar; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Mr. Mohd Elias bin Hassan; Entrepreneur Development Manager, Mr. Mohd Ariff bin Mohd Rodzi; and KEDA Development Officer for Padang Terap Zone 2, Mr. Shahurin bin Mat Isa.

Strategic Industry–Education Synergy

More significantly, the visit emphasized the importance of strategic synergy between industries operating in KRC and KEDA College as a primary provider of skilled workforce through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

According to YBhg. Dato’ Seri Diraja Mahdzir, the development of KRC should not merely focus on large-scale infrastructure, but must translate into real economic opportunities for the local community.

“The development of KRC must generate tangible returns for the people. KEDA College plays a critical role in ensuring that Kedah youth, particularly those from Padang Terap, are equipped with relevant skills and become the preferred workforce for industries such as KRC,” he said.

The presence of international investors such as Prinx Chengshan is seen as opening extensive career opportunities for KEDA College graduates, especially in technical and vocational fields.

In response, KEDA College has aligned its training curriculum with current technological demands through strategic collaboration between KEDA, NCIA, and industry players.

High-Impact Initiatives

Among the key initiatives is the implementation of the SKILINDUSTRI TVET BRIDGE KEDA–NCER Programme, focusing on three high-impact areas:

• NCER-KEDA Auto Excel (Automotive) – emphasizing electric vehicle (EV) technology and modern diagnostic systems.

• NCER-KEDA Electro Tech (Electrical) – based on Industry 4.0 technology and renewable energy systems.

• NCER-KEDA Weldpro 4.0 (Welding) – catering to the needs of heavy engineering and oil and gas sectors.

Campus Expansion Plan

In line with increasing industry demand, KEDA College, which currently offers seven skill areas comprising 14 certification programmes and two diploma programmes, is also planning a campus expansion.

A proposed acquisition of 14.872 acres of land is underway to enhance the existing 25-acre facilities. The expansion will accommodate new departments including Mechanical Engineering (HVAC), Culinary Arts, and Fabric Technology, further expanding access to skills training for rural communities.

With accreditation from the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and the Energy Commission (ST), KEDA College remains optimistic in playing a greater role in reducing unemployment, improving graduate employability, and strengthening the economic well-being of the people of Kedah.

Ministry of Rural and Regional Development