NIOSH offers training slots under MoU with SME Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 6): The SME Association of Malaysia (SME Malaysia) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to strengthen cooperation through resource sharing and complementary expertise.

In a statement on Thursday, SME Malaysia said the collaboration aims to initiate, develop and promote programmes that enhance the national occupational safety and health (OSH) landscape.

The collaboration also covers the implementation of OSH-related training programmes, the provision of professional OSH consultancy services, and the sharing of technical expertise and practical experience.

Both parties will also jointly organise seminars, talks and related activities to raise awareness of OSH standards.

“These initiatives are intended to assist businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in better understanding and implementing OSH standards, thereby fostering safer, healthier and more sustainable working environments,” it said.

The MoU was signed by SME Malaysia national president Dr Chin Chee Seong and NIOSH executive director Dato Ayop Salleh, and witnessed by NIOSH chairman Chong Chieng Jen.

Chong added that NIOSH has launched the OSHA Coordinator Training Programme to support enterprises in strengthening professional capabilities and market competitiveness. The programme offers 3,000 free training slots for SMEs, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Enterprises interested in enhancing their skills and expanding business opportunities are encouraged to register early.

Dr Chin said occupational safety and health is essential not only to employee well-being but also to sustainable business growth.

Through the collaboration, SMEs will gain better access to professional guidance and structured training to strengthen safety management standards and competitiveness.

Ayop Salleh added that NIOSH remains committed to fostering a strong OSH culture nationwide. He said the collaboration would extend the reach of OSH services, enabling more businesses, particularly SMEs, to benefit from these efforts.