Malaysia is intensifying efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as part of a broader strategy to prepare the country’s workforce for a rapidly evolving global economy shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and advanced digital technologies.
Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government views TVET as a critical driver of economic transformation, enabling industries to access skilled talent while enhancing the nation’s competitiveness.
In a statement issued in conjunction with National TVET Day 2026, he said the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is committed to ensuring training programmes remain relevant to industry needs through close engagement with Industry Lead Bodies (ILBs) and the Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC).
“TVET is no longer confined to skills acquisition alone. It plays an increasingly important role in supporting industrial sustainability, economic productivity and national development,” he said.
Ramanan noted that TVET institutions under KESUMA continue to produce highly employable graduates, with 95.5 per cent securing jobs within six months of completing their studies. More than 85 per cent of those employed are working in fields related to their areas of training.
The positive outcome is further supported by a 97.2 per cent employer satisfaction rate, indicating strong alignment between training curricula and workforce requirements.
To encourage greater participation among young Malaysians, over 20,000 study placements have been offered under the July 2026 UP_TVET Perdana intake involving 315 institutions across the country.
He said the Department of Manpower (JTM) remains at the forefront of TVET implementation through its extensive network of training centres, including ADTEC campuses, the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI), Proton Institute and satellite campuses in Johor and Pahang.
TVET programmes now encompass both traditional and emerging sectors, ranging from manufacturing, electronics and ICT to semiconductors, robotics, aerospace, renewable energy, cybersecurity and hydrogen technologies.
Ramanan said collaboration with leading corporations such as Proton, Petronas, Petros, Malaysia Aviation Group, Infineon Technologies, Huawei Technologies Malaysia and Micron Memory Malaysia has enhanced training delivery through industry exposure, technological expertise and employment opportunities.
He also highlighted the establishment of the KESUMA Semiconductor Academy at JMTI in Penang as a significant step towards developing talent for strategic high-technology industries.
Meanwhile, efforts to broaden access to skills development continue through inclusive initiatives targeting underprivileged communities, persons with disabilities, Orang Asli, women and rural youths, alongside reforms aimed at strengthening the governance and effectiveness of Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem.
-HR HUB
