Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council 4th Regional Policy Dialogue (ATC 4th RPD) has highlighted three fundamental enablers for advancing the sector: effective education and training, meeting industry demands for skilled labour, and improving socio-economic standards.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is spearheading the two-day dialogue, in collaboration with the National TVET Council (MTVET). Themed 'TVET for Rural and Regional Advancement,' the dialogue aims to develop comprehensive, actionable strategies and policies to enhance the access, quality, and relevance of TVET, aligned with rural development priorities and inclusive growth.
The ATC 4th RPD is poised to produce practical recommendations and conclusions to support the development and alignment of national TVET systems with regional aspirations. It also aims to strengthen the role of the ASEAN TVET Council as a key platform for cooperation, coordination, and policy integration across ASEAN.
The dialogue is being held alongside the National TVET Day 2025 celebration, which stretches from today until Friday, during Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. It is supported by the ASEAN Secretariat, the German government under the Regional Cooperation on Labour Market Policy and TVET for Twin Transition in ASEAN (RECOTwin) programme, and the Australian government through the Aus4ASEAN Digital Transformation and Future Skills programme.
The ATC 4th RPD seeks to foster regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic discussions on TVET's role as a catalyst for the socio-economic transformation of rural and marginalised communities. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivered the keynote address, emphasizing TVET's critical role in driving inclusivity and sustainability, and Malaysia's aspiration to equip the workforce with relevant skills for a dynamic labour market to boost economic growth and social equity.
The dialogue features 29 expert panellists from ASEAN member states, Australia, and UNESCO, comprising policymakers, government officials, industry players, and TVET educators. The hybrid event is being attended by over 300 participants, both in person and online.