Amman:Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Tahfiz graduates should have greater access to higher education and professional careers in fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine to address the country's changing workforce needs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that tahfiz education should extend beyond Quran memorization, equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications for a variety of career paths. Speaking at the 10th Huffaz Nusantara Permata Al-Quran Convocation at the German-Malaysian Institute, he stated that graduates should be able to balance their religious education with ambitions for professional careers.
Ahmad Zahid, also chair of the National Tahfiz Council, highlighted the importance of skills development in fields like artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and high technology. He advocated for tahfiz education to align with the nation's human capital requirements, suggesting more pathways to universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and professional sectors.
He called for collaboration among the government, tahfiz institutions, universities, and industry to provide clear opportunities for graduates to advance after their studies. He stressed the importance of an ecosystem that supports graduates in transitioning to the next stage of their careers.
As Rural and Regional Development Minister, Ahmad Zahid mentioned efforts to enhance tahfiz education, including improvements to the National Tahfiz Education Policy, the development of the Malaysian Tahfiz Recognition Standard, and strengthened pathways through the Malaysian Tahfiz Certificate. These initiatives aim to broaden education and career options for graduates.
He welcomed the increased funding for Islamic affairs, pondok schools, tahfiz institutions, and religious schools under Budget 2027, alongside better allowances for religious teachers and mosque personnel. This increase, from RM2.6 billion to RM3.1 billion, reflects the government's commitment to supporting those involved in Islamic religious affairs.