TECHNICAL and vocational education and training (TVET) is steadily gaining recognition as a first-choice education pathway, with more students and parents drawn to its strong employability prospects and industry-driven programmes, says the Education Ministry’s TVET Division.
This rise in interest, said its director Zulkernai Fauzi, is strongest in areas such as semiconductors, electrical and electronics, automation, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing, automotive, electric vehicle and commercial vehicle technology, digital technology, cybersecurity and creative industries.
“This trend is largely driven by rapid technological advancements and growing industry demand,” he told StarEdu.
However, he emphasised, sectors such as construction, building systems and energy, agrotechnology and food industry, as well as hospitality and services, remain equally important and offer significant career opportunities.
“These industries play a vital role in supporting national development and continue to experience demand for skilled workers,” he said.
Zulkernai added that parents are becoming more receptive to TVET as they recognise the high employability of its graduates and the opportunities for further studies.
“A common misconception is that TVET is only suitable for academically weaker students.
“Modern TVET requires students to master technical knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills.
“Many programmes involve advanced technologies and require strong competencies in science, mathematics and digital applications,” he said.
Another aspect that catches people by surprise about vocational colleges, he added, is that graduates can pursue higher education at diploma, degree and even postgraduate levels while possessing industry-relevant skills.
Zulkernai noted that students nowadays are highly informed and career-focused.
“They want to understand how their chosen programmes connect directly to industry needs and future job opportunities, especially in high-growth sectors.
“We encourage students and parents to look beyond conventional perceptions and explore the vast opportunities available across all TVET sectors, as each contributes significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth and workforce development,” he said.
He added that the programmes available at vocational colleges remain aligned with current industry requirements through continuous work with industry partners, government agencies and professional bodies to ensure that their curricula remain relevant and responsive to current market demands.
“Our programmes are regularly reviewed to incorporate emerging technologies and industry practices, and students are exposed to workplace learning experiences through industrial training and industry-based projects.
“In line with the government’s emphasis on future industries, we have strengthened programmes related to semiconductors, automation, digital technology, renewable energy and electric vehicle technologies,” he said.
Zulkernai added that beyond technical expertise, the ministry is equally committed to nurturing well-rounded graduates equipped with strong communication, leadership and digital competencies.
“We established a strategic collaboration with Meatech Creative Academy through a corporate social responsibility initiative known as the KV Influencer Programme.
“The programme is designed to empower vocational college students with skills in content creation, digital storytelling, public speaking, personal branding and social media engagement.
“The programme aims to develop a new generation of TVET ambassadors who can inspire and influence their peers to explore technical and vocational education pathways,” he said.
Vocational colleges make their mark
1. Kajang Vocational College
> Automotive technology student Nuraisyah Azlin won a Medallion for Excellence at WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025 and will represent Malaysia at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 in September
> Students Muhammad Faris Haniq Muhammad Fazli and Guee Ming Long emerged as champion and third-place winner, respectively, at the KV Skills Competition 2026 Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Zone
> Vokas Cobra Racing Team was named runner-up at Formula Student Malaysia 2026
2. ERT Setapak Vocational College
> Crowned champions of the KV Modest Fashion Event during the Vocational Colleges Art Festival 2025 and finished runner-up in 2026
> Won third place at the Locco x Malaysia Fashion Creativity Award’s Creative Sarong Challenge
> Won third place at the Consumer Fashion Design Competition 2024, organised by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry
> Collaborated with the French Embassy for the Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française Award Ceremony
> Organised a fashion show together with the Islamic Fashion Institute Indonesia, Unitar International University and Rembau Community College at Dewan Semarak Felda
3. Shah Alam Vocational College
> Won 14 gold, eight silver and four bronze medals in various national and international innovation competitions in 2025
> Won 11 gold, five silver and three bronze medals in various competitions in the first half of 2026
4. Sepang Vocational College
> Computer technology students won 18 prizes in 19 competitions, including gold at the International Innovation Competition 2026 and the International Invention, Innovation & Design Competition 2026
> Cooling and air-conditioning technology students won gold at the International Innovation and Exhibition 2025
> Fashion design students won silver at the Art Wear Competition
> Students were named overall runner-up at the STEM Racing National Final 2026 and will represent Malaysia at Aramco STEM Racing World Final 2026 in Singapore this October
5. Setapak Vocational College
> Achieved outstanding results at the KV Skills and WorldSkills innovation competitions
> Named champion for two consecutive years at the Vocational Colleges Sports Competition Selangor/Kuala Lumpur Zone
Source: Education Ministry TVET Division
