Building on its commitment to strengthen trade union capacity, the Timber Employees Union of Peninsular Malaysia (TEUPM), with support from the BWI Asia-Pacific, successfully held the second part of its Leadership Training from September 18 to 20, 2025. The workshop brought together 20 union leaders to build on the foundations laid during the first phase of the training and to enhance their skills further.

The intensive three-day training deepened participants’ understanding of union programmes and structures at both workplace and federation levels, while equipping them with essential organisational skills for effective daily union work. Trainers from the BWI Asia-Pacific office delivered sessions on implementing union programmes, strengthening democratic structures, and conducting effective meetings. A central feature was an educator’s training component, which provided leaders with the active presentation skills and tools to conduct trade union education for their members.

Participants reported a significant increase in confidence and clarity in their roles. As Norman bin Nordin, the Negeri Sembilan Branch Secretary, reflected, the workshop “made me more organised in terms of planning, time management, and taking active action.”

General Secretary Rasdi bin Abu Hanipah underlined that this leadership training is a core element of TEUPM’s strategy to consolidate the foundations of trade unionism. He reiterated that TEUPM will continue investing in rigorous education for its leaders, ensuring its effectiveness in organising and defending workers. Such capacity-building initiatives not only improve the working and living conditions of members but also reinforce the strength and resilience of the labour movement.