TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) providers should stay updated with the latest technological advancements to prepare workers for the job market.
Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (management and development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan said artificial intelligence, automation and the transition towards green technology made this necessary.
“The rapid evolution of technology is shortening the relevance cycle of many technical skills.
“Hence, TVET systems can no longer remain confined to producing a workforce possessing solely physical and manual technical skills.
“Instead, we are called upon to nurture a new generation of TVET professionals who are adaptable, digitally fluent and sustainability-conscious,” he said at the opening of the 10th World Conference on Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Johor Baru.
Mohd Nor Azman said the changing landscape also highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between education institutions and industries.
“It is our collective duty to dismantle old stigmas, bridge the gap between industry and education, and elevate vocational training as the ultimate catalyst for future economic resilience.”
He said the quality of TVET education depended greatly on the capabilities of educators and instructors.
On the conference organised by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia themed “Next Gen Workforce: Reimagine TVET for the Future”, Mohd Nor Azman said it was an opportunity to connect academic research with needs of industries.
“Every idea, innovation and research finding shared in this conference holds immense potential to be translated into classrooms, workshops and training centres,” he added.
“In the Philippines, there is still strong stigma surrounding TVET as many people see it as a fallback option rather than their first choice.
“I was surprised to learn how much importance Malaysia places on TVET and skills development.
“It is encouraging to see that Malaysia recognises the importance of technical skills and does not focus solely on traditional professional careers.”
The fourth-year Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education student said the conference also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between education institutions and industries.
“I have also gained valuable insights into TVET which plays an important role in preparing graduates for the workforce.”
Farid, who is from the university’s Teacher Training and Education Faculty, said he also presented a paper on the role of psychological well-being, self-directed learning and self-efficacy in preparing students for the transition from education to employment.
“I hope this conference will open up more opportunities for collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and other universities here.
“This has been a meaningful experience for me, and I hope to return for the next conference in two years,” he said.
