Malaysia needs a highly skilled workforce to fill the current gap between supply and demand across various industries, particularly those driving readiness for economic transformation towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Recently, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers reported that the manufacturing sector needs an additional 600,000 foreign workers this year to restore business output to pre-pandemic levels.

Nordin Abdul Malek, executive chairman of the Agro-Entrepreneur Institute, stated that the problem of labour shortage in the plantation sector, particularly oil palm, resulted in losses of up to RM10 billion last year and has yet to be resolved.

Employers are indeed facing difficulties finding locals to fill unskilled manpower shortages. In fact, some laid-off Malaysians are competing with migrant workers over 3D (dangerous, dirty and difficult) jobs.

To address the issue of reliance on migrant workers, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has suggested that Malaysia shift its emphasis from academic education to technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

According to the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020, access to vocational training is effective in reducing unemployment and improving people’s living standards.

The unemployment rate fell from 3.4 per cent in 2017 to 2.8 per cent in 2020. The living standard of households in the bottom 40 (B40) per cent income group improved as the poverty rate fell from 7.6 per cent (2017) to 5.6 per cent (2019).

TVET must either step up or fade into insignificance. The skills gap makes it difficult for individuals to find jobs and employers to hire appropriately trained personnel.

The TVET system plays an important role in expediting the smooth matching of skills desired by employers with skills offered by workers.

Source : https://www.nst.com.my/

Why TVET Should be your path to success?

1) Filling the skills gap in the labour market

TVET can bridge the skills gap in the job market, opening up a wide range of career opportunities while facilitating lifelong learning and career development.

Many countries, particularly in Europe, have recognised the importance of incorporating TVET into their national syllabi.

They have successfully employed this strategy to cultivate their youth and prepare them for the realities of the modern business world.

2) Financial aid and affordability

TVET programmes often have shorter durations compared to conventional academic pathways. The shorter time frame increases the likelihood of students completing the course.

The Malaysian government recognises the pivotal role of TVET in driving economic growth and has taken steps to support and promote TVET education.

Substantial funds are allocated to TVET institutions, effectively reducing costs for students. For instance, the government channels RM6.7 billion to seven key ministries for the implementation of various Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives.

Moreover, TVET programmes in Malaysia often receive subsidies from the government, resulting in lower tuition fees compared to academic programmes offered by traditional universities.

3) Opportunities for entrepreneurship

TVET education in Malaysia nurtures entrepreneurial skills, empowering individuals to establish their own businesses or become self-employed in specialised fields.

By gaining technical expertise and practical knowledge, TVET graduates are well-equipped to create their own job opportunities and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth.