London: Malaysia is forging strategic partnerships with international educational institutions and industry players, including those from the United Kingdom, to develop a regionally recognised certification and centre of excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the initiative, emphasizing the country's ambition to not only produce skilled workers but also establish Malaysia as a credible TVET training and certification reference centre for the ASEAN region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the activation of the ASEAN TVET Council to meet the demands of the regional market. The council aims to recognize and attract students from ASEAN countries to pursue their studies at TVET institutions in Malaysia while ensuring opportunities for Malaysian students are not compromised. This announcement followed his keynote address on TVET at University College London, attended by senior lecturers and students.
Ahmad Zahid shared insights from discussions with ASEAN ministers responsible for employment and regional cooperation on TVET development. As chairman of the National TVET Committee, he articulated Malaysia's readiness to become a global platform for producing world-class TVET talent equipped to meet industrial market demands. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with ASEAN partners, global allies, and Malaysians abroad to build a skilled, competitive generation prepared for the future.
Student enrolment in TVET institutions reached 436,285 last year, with 53.5 percent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders opting for TVET pathways. This trend reflects a positive shift in public perception, as TVET gains recognition beyond being a second-choice option.
Ahmad Zahid also announced that Malaysia will host the 4th ASEAN TVET Council Regional Policy Dialogue in conjunction with National TVET Day 2025. Themed 'TVET untuk Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Serantau' (TVET for Rural and Regional Development), the dialogue will unite delegations from ASEAN, Australia, and Germany to explore TVET's role in driving inclusive growth, empowering youth, developing rural communities, and fostering innovation exchange, industry collaboration, and national transformation.