Social Programmes

RM 200 million has been secured for Public Housing projects
On 11 April 2008, the Prime Minister, who is also IRDA Co-chairman, announced an allocation of RM200 million to implement public housing in Iskandar Malaysia. The project which is approved under the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) period, is envisaged to become a showcase to the new implementation of public housing. The objective is to build a better and improved quality rental housing in Iskandar Malaysia with improved public facilities in conducive living environment.

To ensure the objective is achieved, IRDA has developed the Affordable Public Housing Guidelines, followed by the design brief which was concluded in September 2008. The first phase of this project would involve the construction of approximately 1,500 units of houses, each with the minimum area of 900 square feet, in a 3 ½ to 4 storey apartment blocks. Other prominent features of this project design are the elements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), utilization of IBS system, eco-friendly and promotes interaction amongst community.

Maintenance and management aspect of this housing is also vital as this project should set the benchmark for future public housing projects in the country. Hence, IRDA initiated a study on "Five (5) Years Strategic Business Plan for Iskandar Housing Management Company (IHMC)". Also undertaken is the development of the housing database and profiling target group for appropriate selection of tenants and beneficiaries.

Iskandar Malaysia provide local graduate with on-the-job experience
The Iskandar Malaysia Graduates Employability Enhancement Programme (GREEN), a collaboration with Khazanah Nasional Berhad is designed to serve as a template for future initiatives in training Malaysians for jobs within Iskandar Malaysia. The programme is focused on providing participants with opportunities to improve their skills and assist them in gaining work experience towards finding suitable employment.

After its launch in September 2008, 250 graduates were selected to be pioneers in the programme from 19 October to 24 December, 2008 and the participants are provided with communication training and project management skills. The participants were fresh graduates who were job seeking or with jobs not related to their areas of study. Upon completion, they were sent for a 10-month attachment with organisations such as Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and other private companies commencing January 2009. More than 30 companies signed up to support this initiative, mostly operating within Iskandar Malaysia.

Most participants claimed that the programme provided them with communication skills, brushed them up on English proficiency and fluency, enhanced one's confidence in facing the working world and the importance of teamwork. IRDA oversees the overall programme and act as the coordinator between graduates and companies.

Public Housing Information In Iskandar Malaysia (PRISMA)

The document include:

Brochure
Form (Borang Permohonan Sewa Perumahan)
Form (Borang Permohonan Gerai/Kedai Sewa)

Enhancing the skill standards in the local construction industry
Iskandar Malaysia-Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Collaboration Programme, is a joint initiative between IRDA, CIDB and Iskandar Investment Berhad, the investment arm of Khazanah for Iskandar Malaysia.

It focuses on generating experienced skilled workers to meet the anticipated demand for construction workers in Iskandar Malaysia. It is open to a wide group, including secondary school- leavers, those already in the construction industry but aiming to polish existing skills, and those who wish to pursue careers in construction site supervision and other related professional fields.

In 2008, 350 participants enrolled in this programme to be trained in 13 different courses offered. The first batch completed their courses in February 2009 and all trainees have been recruited through job-matching done by a co-ordination effort between IRDA and Iskandar Investment Berhad. Moving forward, IRDA will work with the contractors to identify the recruitment needs and relevant courses for the trainees. This is to ensure a continuous high success rate in employability and sufficient supply of skilled workforce for this industry to support the development in Iskandar Malaysia.

Programme to develop a talented and skilled work force for Iskandar Malaysia
Iskandar Malaysia is a long-term project with a vision to be a sustainable metropolis of an international standing. Hence, it is important that we have the right strategies to develop the talent and skilled workforce amongst the locals to support targeted economic activities.

Realising this challenge, Iskandar Malaysia Human Capital Steering Committee (IMHCSC) was formed on 26 June 2008 to ensure a more co-ordinated and integrated initiatives are undertaken. The Iskandar Malaysia Human Capital Blueprint was developed in the fourth quarter of 2008. The scope of the blueprint is to :

Determine the human capital demand in nine targeted economic clusters for IM
Identify talent gaps based on related blueprints and IM talent studies
Study and benchmark strategies / best practices with other countries / economic hubs to reflect IM's aim of becoming an economic hub of international standing
Formulate suitable strategies and plan to ensure ready and sustainable supply of talent for IM's employment demands
Recommend a comprehensive and actionable project plan to be executed by the Implementation Committee to ensure sustainable talent for IM's development purposes.