SHAH ALAM - The significant allocation of RM6.8 billion in the 2024 Budget to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) shows its importance to the country.
This includes RM100 million for providing industry-recognised professional certifications to TVET graduates and as an incentive for industries to collaborate with public TVET institutions.
Producing TVET graduates is crucial as Malaysia’s industries will soon have hundreds of thousands of high-paying job opportunities in encouraged sectors like aerospace, electrical and electronics, chemicals and petrochemicals, the digital economy, and pharmaceuticals, as outlined by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
These sectors require technical workers to drive Malaysia's industrial and economic development.
One initiative to overhaul national TVET education through cooperation with government-linked companies (GLCs) and private entities is the Industry-in-Academy programme, led by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), an agency under the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (MITI).
It aims to provide on-the-job skills training for up to 18 months with a RM70 million allocation, while RM30 million is set aside to encourage industries to train local workers.
This shows that education is no longer confined to lecture halls but also takes place in workshops, labs, and the field. Global economic market changes indicate that TVET is no longer a second choice, as the reality of the job market increasingly demands practical skills.
For TVET graduates, this field offers more opportunities to improve their lives and economic conditions.
For example, Muhammad Zulhelmi Baharuddin, 22, now has the opportunity to work at a multinational company as a production operator at DRB-HICOM, Pahang, as a quality inspector for Mercedes-Benz cars.
He previously worked in a supermarket and is grateful for the opportunity through the National Dual Training System (SLDN) and his Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 2 in quality assurance.
"I chose TVET because it offers various courses that focus on industry needs and provides competent workers. Through TVET, I learned technical skills that can be directly applied at work and are required by the industry," he explained.
Muhammad Afiq Asman, 28, now working at a local automotive and engineering company, MAG Auto Garage Services Sdn Bhd in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, is another successful TVET product.
"I have a hands-on nature, so I decided to become an apprentice at this company. I completed the SLDN and obtained an SKM Level 2 Certificate in light vehicle repair services. Before working here, I knew nothing about machines, welding, or basic car services, but now I can do it all," he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Wai Mun, 23, feels fortunate to work at one of the largest packaging companies in the ASEAN region, Kian Joo Can Factory Berhad. He is grateful for his qualifications, which include an SKM in graphics and a Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) Level 4, which gave him an advantage in securing a job at a major company, something he had never imagined.
"After finishing school, I researched further education opportunities. TVET was more affordable, provided allowances, and had significant job opportunities in the market. My friends and I, who graduated from TVET with qualifications in machine maintenance, electronics, printing, mechanics, and food-related fields, are proof of the program's success," he said.
TVET WORKERS IN HIGH DEMAND BY EMPLOYERS
Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, said that upskilling workers is the foundation of Malaysia’s industrial reform.
"NIMP aims to create 700,000 highly-skilled job opportunities in the manufacturing sector by 2030. Initiatives like the Industry-in-Academy programme can meet industry labor demands and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers," Zafrul said.
TVET graduates are also often the preferred choice of employers because of their skills and strong work ethic.
This was acknowledged by MAG Auto Garage Services Sdn Bhd Director Dr Azlina Ahmad, whose automotive and engineering-based company has 16 out of 20 workers who are TVET graduates.
Impressively, they hold SKM Levels 1 to 3, and some are even tahfiz graduates trained to become motorcycle tuners and mechanics, while others hold computer diplomas.
"TVET graduates are often chosen because they are seen as highly valuable in the industry. Many sectors today, including automotive, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, urgently need 'hands-on' workers. TVET graduates bring the right skills at the right time, helping fill the shortage of trained workers faced by many industries," she said.
Asked about the market assessment of TVET graduates, she mentioned several criteria, including technical skills, teamwork, and adaptability to new technology.
HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Talent Management Executive Mohammad Fairil Din Samsudin, said that the company currently employs 24 TVET graduates working as operators, technicians, and technical assistants.
According to him, TVET graduates are preferred because their training is suited to the industry, which creates vast job opportunities since many sectors in the country need skilled workers.
TVET as a Preparation for the Future Dr Bugs Tan, winner of 18 national awards for creativity and innovation in Malaysia and abroad, sees TVET as preparation for the country’s future.
According to him, electronics is now one of Malaysia’s key sectors and is critical to the country’s industrial and economic development.
"Along with this, there is much development and investment from both domestic and international sources, which require skilled workers. That is why TVET is essential.
Otherwise, there will be investors but no workforce, and we will not be able to realize our goals.
"TVET also plays a social role in opening career paths for those who may have no direction after finishing school. The government introduced the SLDN approach, which helps people learn and work simultaneously," explained Tan, who is also the Head of TVET Skills Education at ViTrox College.