Kuala lumpur: All government training and research institutions will be required to provide training programmes in emerging fields for selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students beginning July, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stated that he has instructed Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to coordinate the initiative to further enhance the skills of TVET students nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that at least 50 to 100 TVET students at each selected institution will be offered early training opportunities in emerging and high-technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptology. The initiative aims to allow students to master new fields, including AI, cryptology, and energy transition, as announced during the National TVET Day 2026 celebration.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, ministers, and Shamsul Azri. Anwar expressed that selected TVET students will undergo training at various agencies, including the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute or research training centres under the National Science Council. He emphasized that these graduates will possess market value exceeding that of a bachelor's degree holder, warranting higher wages and salaries.
The Prime Minister stressed that this initiative serves as an additional step by the government to uplift the status of TVET graduates, thereby attracting more young people to the field. Shamsul Azri is expected to convene with relevant agencies next week to determine the number of students from each TVET institution to be enrolled in supplementary courses, acquiring skills not yet available in the public education system.
Anwar highlighted the impressive growth of TVET in Malaysia, attributing it to effective government policies and the commitment of Ahmad Zahid as the National TVET Council chairman. Malaysia's TVET is now seen as a benchmark in the ASEAN region, demonstrating the country's ability to elevate this field of education.
The Prime Minister emphasized to Cabinet members that success is achieved through clear policies. National TVET Day, celebrated every June 2, acknowledges the role of skills education as a driver of human capital development and serves as a platform to strengthen the MADANI TVET agenda, focusing on skills, innovation, and graduate employability.
Under the Malaysia MADANI framework, TVET is now prioritized as a national agenda, moving beyond being a secondary option. The government is committed to empowering the field by offering high-tech courses to meet the demands of global industrial investment.