He was badly hurt, but he was back at work two weeks later.
Decades of military training kicked in and he “reported to the nearest base” after the accident, passing out on arrival at the Micron Memory Malaysia factory where he is now employed. He was rushed to hospital by the factory doctor.
Despite his spinal injury that caused nerve-related issues, his speedy return to work won over human resources minister Steven Sim when Daniel related his story at an event last Friday.
Impressed by the navy veteran’s determination to get back on his feet, Sim told Daniel: “Your story is incredible and inspiring for all of us” after Micron Memory Malaysia vice-president Ramu Iyer commended Daniel for reporting to work despite going through what was described as “the worst accident ever”.
Sim said that Daniel’s resilience demonstrated the calibre of military veterans and how valuable they are to the workforce as they were “always on time, disciplined, and loyal.”
The minister presented plaques of honour to the first group of 25 veterans who joined Micron Memory through the Veteran MyWira programme, a TalentCorp initiative aimed at reintegrating working-age veterans into the workforce.
The veterans underwent a three-month training programme at the Penang Skills Development Centre and the Walta Centre of Excellence. Upon completion, they were hired by Micron Memory as technicians and supervisors.
The programme, supported by Perhebat, the Armed Forces’ veteran affairs corporation, helps soldiers to transition into civilian jobs on retiring after 21 years of pensionable service.
There are 25 veterans currently employed under the programme, who now earn between RM3,000 and RM4,000 a month.
A valuable second chance
Sim also spoke to two other veterans working at Micron Memory – Fauzi Soib, 39, and Ruteradevan Sugumaran, 45.
Both shared their struggles with coping with civilian life; Ruteradevan, formerly of the Royal Armoured Corps and now a production supervisor, said his only job offer post-retirement was as a low-paying security guard.
“At least here, I can continue working and provide for my family,” he said.
Fauzi, a former army sergeant turned quality control supervisor, said finding civilian work was challenging, with many veterans targeted by job scams.
“Landing this job is a blessing,” he said, thanking Sim for the government’s efforts.
TalentCorp links up with NCIA
Sim also witnessed the signing of a partnership between TalentCorp and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) to utilise the latter’s Advanced Technology Meister Programme grant to support employers in the northern region who join the Veteran MyWira programme, with a focus on upskilling
Sim revealed that four new companies – FedEx, Western Digital, Walta COE, and Hilton Malaysia – had joined the Veteran MyWira initiative.
Armed Forces veteran affairs director-general Semaon Marjuki said the move to upskill and train veterans for better-paying civilian jobs comes at a critical time, as many veterans face financial difficulties after retirement especially in view of rising prices.
TalentCorp’s Group CEO Thomas Mathew said the agency – which works closely with key stakeholders, including industry and academia, to bring intervention programmes that leverage untapped talent pools – is committed to improving the livelihoods of veterans through initiatives like Veteran MyWira.
“By leveraging TalentCorp’s tools, such as the MyNext profiling platform, and connecting veterans with industry partners through our MyMahir Future Skills Talent Councils, we aim to facilitate their transition into the workforce.”
Mathew also encouraged more companies from various industries to offer similar opportunities for the country’s heroes, allowing them to pursue quality careers after their military service.