Malaysia among leaders in vocational, technical training

KUALA LUMPUR: With the various education initiatives and policies that have been taken, Malaysia is now one of the leading countries in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Newly-appointed Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said this was proven by the many success stories of TVET.

For example, three Malaysian polytechnics recently obtained gold accreditation from the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC), he said.

"So, we come together to share ideas with the rest of Asia Pacific.

"Forty-eight countries are taking part in this conference today to understand the philosophy of TVET," he said before launching the Asia Pacific Conference on Education and Training 2015 here on Monday.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisaton (Unesco) Asia and Pacific director Gwang-Jo Kim said it was imperative that the region worked together towards inclusive education.

"Asia Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions in TVET.

"Continued skill development is the key to avoiding economy stagnancy." 

Themed "Making Skills Development Work for the Future", the conference is focused on TVET and ICT education. It will run until Wednesday.