UNIVERSITI Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has taken a significant step forward by formalising a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Goldsmith and Jewellers Association (PGJA). This collaboration aims to inspire and engage students, encouraging them to view the dynamic gold and jewellery industry as a promising and rewarding career path for their future endeavours.
The university’s vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor said the MoU is aimed at forming a strategic partnership with the association while creating a bridge to enable interested students to complete their industrial training in this industry.
“The gold and jewellery industry is in demand in Malaysia, especially here in Penang.
“We believe through this MoU with PGJA, we will be able to create a platform for interested students to be part of the workforce.
“In the last 20 years, we have had some 2,000 students who have graduated from the School of Creative Arts (Contemporary Design),” Prof Roziah told a press conference after attending the opening of the Penang Signature Gold and Jewellery Fair 2023 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
The MoU, which was signed by Prof Roziah and PGJA president George Lo Siew Cheong, was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Meanwhile, the gold and jewellery fair, which officially starts today and ends on Aug 20 (Sunday), will see the participation of 160 booths.
The booths consist of 70% local and 30% foreign manufacturers. The participating countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Turkey, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
This year’s exhibition is aimed at showcasing some of the finest gold and jewellery products by local and foreign manufacturers while providing a platform for interested parties for open collaboration and mutual benefit.
Chow, during his speech earlier, said the fair has now evolved into an indispensable platform for trade, collaboration, and mutual growth.
“Through this event, we have a thriving ecosystem that supports our local craftsmen with the global jewellery industry.
“The fair isn’t just a display of luxury; it shows the vibrant synergy between artistic expression, economic engagement and cultural presentation,” he said.
Also present earlier were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Elite Expo Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Johnson Lim and Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia (FGJAM) president Datuk Chiah Hock Yew.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad