SHAH ALAM: To ensure no one is left behind, the government will work with technical institutions in India to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET), especially among the Indian community, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Mitra (Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit) would continue to address the plights faced by the community such as educational opportunities, including TVET education.
“We will adapt their interest in certain fields to be trained in TVET and collaborate with technical institutions and universities in India, so that we can promote TVET which is based on the latest technological education in the world,” he told reporters after attending the Unity Ponggal celebration here yesterday.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said more opportunities would be provided for students from the Indian community under the high-skill TVET programmes nationwide.
He said this would give the community the chance to elevate themselves educationally and economically.
“The best method for poverty alleviation is through education. This is the vertical social mobility that needs to be expedited.
“With that, I have told MIC president (Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran) who is the national TVET Council chairman, I will give more attention and opportunities to Indian students,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also said Indian students would be offered high-skill TVET courses focusing on technological advancements.
“We will not only offer normal TVET courses but also those that involve high technology such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicle.
“This is to ensure that once they graduate, they will be able to participate in these sectors,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He also said with proper social mobility through education, the Indian community would be able to overcome poverty.
During the celebration, the Deputy Prime Minister also distributed more than 200 tablets to public university students to support their education.
Also present at the event were Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, Vigneswaran and other Indian community leaders.
