Kangar: Applications to enrol in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes have increased significantly from 25,000 to 229,000 over the past two years, as of July 12, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He noted that the sharp rise reflected growing awareness among parents, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers, and those unable to pursue higher education about the advantages of TVET, particularly its potential for high-paying careers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that TVET graduates have the potential to earn premium salaries, which are not restricted by the government's minimum wage of RM1,700. Instead, earnings are based on the skills acquired, with some courses, such as welding, offering a starting salary of RM7,500. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after officiating the Kangar UMNO Division Delegates Meeting, which was also attended by Perlis UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Rozabil Abd Rahman.

As the National TVET Council chairman, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the current presence of 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide and the strong demand for skilled labour, particularly from foreign direct investment companies operating in Malaysia. He assured that efforts will be made to expand the number of places and courses offered to match the country's workforce needs, highlighting that many private TVET institutions already offer programmes in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics.

Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that the involvement of TVET students in these emerging fields aligns with the demand for skilled workers from international companies, underscoring the importance of adapting educational offerings to meet the evolving needs of the global economy.