Melaka: The government is mulling over the proposal to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission in line with the TVET reform agenda that is being actively implemented. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was because the development of TVET under the National TVET Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has shown encouraging results, including an increase in the number of students.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed appreciation for the role of the TVET Council but emphasized the need for considering proposals such as establishing a dedicated commission for TVET. The government will assess this swiftly to address the sector's evolving needs. Anwar, alongside the Ministry of Finance, plans to evaluate current facilities and explore synergies between government-linked companies, private sector players, and existing TVET institutions.
Anwar made these remarks while opening the National TVET Day 2025 celebration at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh. He highlighted the importance of TVET in producing a skilled workforce that aligns with future industry needs. He advocated for better starting salaries for TVET graduates, suggesting an increase from the current minimum wage of RM1,700 to as much as RM3,000, citing their high employability rate.
Anwar also announced an additional allocation of RM40 million for the National TVET Council and RM10 million for Melaka to focus on TVET entrepreneurship development. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The National TVET Day 2025 celebration, themed "TVET: Pilihan Utama Kerjaya," included nine exhibition sectors and offered about 5,000 job opportunities across various fields from over 60 companies. Twelve ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Human Resources, were involved in organizing the event.
Celebrated annually on June 2, National TVET Day underscores the government's commitment to making TVET a key platform for nurturing a skilled future workforce. The event coincides with the 4th Regional Policy Dialogue of the ASEAN TVET Council, which also took place over two days.