Kuala Lumpur:A comprehensive package combining post-training support and business starter kits could be crucial in ensuring that the RM8 billion allocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) under Budget 2027 delivers tangible results in poverty eradication.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Khairul Anuar Abdul Rahman of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) emphasized that the support should include skills training, industry certification, equipment, business incubation, and continuous mentoring. This approach would help participants apply their skills to secure employment or start businesses, thus facilitating socioeconomic change for the B40 group by promoting economic independence and breaking the poverty cycle.
Highlighting a UTM initiative, Dr. Khairul mentioned the 'Empowerment of B40 Youth Economy through Air Conditioning System Service and Maintenance Training' project at the Melana Indah People's Housing Project (PPR). This project targets 20 unemployed youths from the B40 group or those working in the gig economy, providing technical skills training, an Industry Competency Certificate, and a starter kit under a 'Buddy System'. This system allows participants to share equipment, addressing the barriers of capital and equipment needed to generate income.
The initiative offers 18 months of technical guidance, customer management training, and community service activities, aiming for at least 80 percent of participants to achieve competency and 70 percent to generate their own income. Dr. Khairul proposed that this model, which employs the Quadruple Helix approach involving universities, local authorities, industry, and the community, could extend to other fields like elderly and disability care services.
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Safarin Nordin of the same department noted that the effectiveness of the RM8 billion allocation would depend on the implementation mechanisms ensuring that training meets industry needs. He stressed the importance of focusing on industry-driven curriculum reform, better coordination among ministries through the National TVET Council (MTVET), and utilizing the Human Resource Development Corporation's (HRD Corp) RM3 billion allocation to develop future skills such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Both experts agreed that TVET key performance indicators (KPIs) should include more than just graduate percentages and certificate numbers. They suggested assessing the return on investment (ROI) based on employability rates, starting salary increases, and long-term career sustainability.
During the Budget 2027 announcement, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the RM8 billion allocation for TVET to enhance skills development and improve youth employability. Of the total budget, RM3 billion is designated for HRD Corp to provide three million training opportunities, supporting ongoing skills development for professionals.