SHAH ALAM - Expanding Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes is essential for equipping Malaysian youth with the hands-on skills and practical training that employers increasingly demand.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said youth unemployment in Malaysia saw a dramatic spike in 2021, reaching 13.4 per cent, according to statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
He said this surge was largely attributed to the economic disruptions and external factors brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, since then, the country has experienced a gradual recovery, with the youth unemployment rate steadily decreasing.
The current youth unemployment rate has returned to pre-pandemic levels, now standing at approximately 10.6 per cent for individuals aged between 15 and 24 and 6.6 per cent for those aged between 15 and 30.
"This positive trend reflects improving economic conditions and better job opportunities for our youth," he told Sinar Daily.
Despite this improvement, Syed said youth unemployment remained a concern, driven primarily by insufficient skill levels and lack of work experience.
"Employers often seek candidates with skills beyond academic qualifications, recognising that TVET, which emphasises on practical skills, is crucial for securing better jobs.
"The high youth unemployment rate is primarily due to insufficient skill levels and lack of work experience," he said.
He added that young job seekers often found themselves competing with more experienced workers, making it challenging to secure employment.
Therefore, he said enhancing practical skills through certified skills and gaining relevant experience were key factors in improving youth employment prospects.
New trend: Tech-savvy youth
Looking at the current trend, Syed said many young Malaysians were gravitating towards careers in tech startups, IT services and digital innovation hubs.
He stressed that these fields were in high demand due to the proliferation of new technologies such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity and digital marketing.
Additionally, tech-savvy youth interested in finance were exploring roles in financial technology (fintech) startups, digital banking and cryptocurrency.
He also highlighted that there was also a growing interest among Malaysian youth in green jobs, reflecting a broader focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
"These include roles in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and environmental consultancy. The growth of e-commerce platforms allows live online sales and marketing.
"Developing digital skills such as data analytics, digital marketing, programming and cloud computing can significantly enhance youth job market readiness and employability," he said.
A change in educational system
To better prepare students for the job market, Syed opined that educational systems in Malaysia can be reformed in several key ways.
"First, curricula should be aligned with industry needs, focusing on relevant skills and emerging fields.
"Expanding TVET programmes is essential to provide hands-on skills and practical training that are greatly demanded by employers.
"Additionally, integrating digital literacy, coding and data analysis into the curriculum will equip students with necessary technological skills.
"Facilitating internships and apprenticeships will give practical experience, while incorporating training in communication, teamwork and problem-solving can enhance soft skills.
Syed also said providing robust career counseling and job placement services will help guide students towards successful employment and career paths.