Malaysia must prioritize making Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) a primary choice for secondary school leavers, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. As the National TVET Committee chairman, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that this shift is essential for providing a skilled workforce to meet future job market demands.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that developed countries like Japan have successfully made TVET the main educational pathway for students aged 15 and above. He mentioned that Malaysia's Ministry of Education has already initiated TVET programs through Vocational Colleges and Polytechnics for Form Three leavers. However, he stressed the need to strengthen these efforts to make TVET the primary choice for students in Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the exhibition site at the Kuala Langat Industrial Training Institute (ILP) during the National TVET Day 2024 celebration, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of emulating successful models like Japan. He argued that such a step would prepare Malaysia with a skilled workforce, in line with technological advancements and the needs of both domestic and international industries.
Currently, Malaysia offers more than 4,000 TVET courses through 1,345 institutions nationwide, with a capacity of 250,000 admission spots. Ahmad Zahid reported that there have been 280,000 applications from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders, and he hopes that at least 40 percent of these applicants can begin their studies in the upcoming July intake session.
Ahmad Zahid also called on parents to encourage their children to pursue TVET education, noting that it promises more job opportunities with higher salaries. He reassured that students who did not attend the SPM 2023 examination are still eligible to study at TVET institutions, provided they possess proficiency in reading, writing, and arithmetic (the 3M techniques).
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the government's efforts to secure the future of students through the skills acquired via TVET education. He encouraged even students with excellent SPM results to pursue higher education in the TVET field at institutions like UniKL, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, and Universiti Malaysia Perlis.
Regarding the National TVET Day 2024 celebration, Ahmad Zahid expressed his satisfaction with the programs and activities conducted. He noted that over 10,000 visitors have attended so far, with the number expected to increase with the visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The celebration features 48 exhibitors from various TVET institutions, showcasing their products and fields of study, and offering 5,000 job opportunities.
Ahmad Zahid urged TVET and SPM graduates to visit the exhibition to explore opportunities for either securing a job or furthering their education. The National TVET Day 2024 celebration began on Jun 7, and the closing ceremony, scheduled for Jun 8, will be officiated by the Prime Minister, who will also launch the National TVET Policy 2030.
By championing TVET as a primary educational pathway, Malaysia aims to build a robust, skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the global job market, ensuring sustainable economic growth and development for the country.
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