Kajang, 26 February 2025 – The German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) remains committed to empowering Malaysian youth through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and human capital development through sports by exploring potential collaboration with Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) and the renowned German football club, VfL Wolfsburg.
The initiative aims to create a holistic ecosystem that combines TVET education, sports excellence, and youth development, ensuring that young Malaysian football athletes are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Key Initiatives Under Discussion
The potential collaboration focuses on several key initiatives designed to benefit students, athletes, and the wider community:
- German Language Programme for Young Footballers: A tailored programme to teach the German language to young footballers in primary and secondary schools, enhancing their foreign language skills and opening doors to international opportunities.
- Short-Term Courses and Certifications for SPM Leavers: Industry-relevant short-term courses and certifications for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers, providing them with practical skills and seamless integration into the workforce.
- Upskilling and Reskilling Vocational Training Personnel: GMI’s advanced technological facilities and expertise are ready to support the upskilling and reskilling of vocational training personnel under the Selangor State Government, enhancing the quality of vocational education and training in the region.
- Advanced Football Training Modules and Coaching: VfL Wolfsburg will provide advanced football training modules and coaching for the GMI football team, elevating their skills and performance.
- Cultural Exchange and Mobility Programmes: VfL Wolfsburg will facilitate cultural exchange programmes, mobility programmes, and friendly matches between junior players from Germany and Malaysia, fostering international exposure and collaboration.
Qaseh Rania: Ambassador of GMI
In line with these discussions, GMI has appointed Qaseh Rania binti Khairul Najib, a 14-year-old national football player, as its Ambassador. Qaseh Rania, who has been selected to join VfL Wolfsburg’s women’s football team in Germany, is the first Asian female player to be accepted into the club. Her achievement represents the potential of Malaysian youth when given the right opportunities.
Recognizing her extraordinary potential, Yayasan Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) has taken Qaseh Rania under its wing as its protégé.
“GMI is immensely proud of Qaseh Rania’s achievements in women’s football and has provided her with intensive German language classes to prepare her for her move to Germany later this year,” said Tuan Haji Ahmad Solihin bin Mohamed Yusoff, Chief Executive Officer of GMI.
GMI was honoured to host Mr. Ahmad Azri bin Zainal Nor, Head of Yayasan MBI, Mr. Ken Hew, VfL Wolfsburg’s Chief Representative in South-East Asia, and Dato’ Frank A. Steinleitner, Advisor of VfL Wolfsburg in South-East Asia to witness this appointment. Alongside them were the GMI management team, a representative from MARA Selangor, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the delegation from MBI, Qaseh Rania’s family, and media representatives.
A Forward-Looking Vision
As discussions continue, this potential collaboration represents a forward-looking vision for youth empowerment in Malaysia. By leveraging the strengths of GMI, MBI, and VfL Wolfsburg, this partnership could set a new benchmark for integrating TVET education and sports development, as well as foster deeper cultural ties between Malaysia and Germany.
