TVET to drive sustainable growth

Hands-on: Under Budget 2025, institutions such as vocational colleges and technical secondary schools were given an allocation of RM1.2bil.

PRIORITISING technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the Budget enables the government to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth, says Prof Dr Razali Hassan from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia’s Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education.

“The Budget is purposed for economic growth and stability. Skilled workers are crucial for driving innovation and productivity, which benefits the entire community,” he added.

He also said the allocations for TVET in Budget 2025, which is increased to RM7.5bil from this year’s RM6.8bil, provide opportunities for all levels of the community, including those who may not pursue traditional academic routes.

“This initiative is vital for creating a holistic Madani community where everyone can contribute,” he said.

While lauding the increased TVET allocation, National Association of Private Educational Institutions president Assoc Prof Elajsolan Mohan said TVET qualifications should be recognised in the Public Service Department to attract more youths to take up the courses.

Under Budget 2025, vocational colleges and technical secondary schools will continue to provide education to 77,000 students, with an allocation of RM1.2bil.

To encourage better facilities, companies will receive tax deductions for new equipment and machinery donated to registered public skills training institutions, polytechnics or vocational colleges, starting from the 2025 tax year until 2027.

The government proposes a double deduction on expenses for companies implementing the MySIP Structured Training Programme under Talent Corp, extending it to students in structured training conducted by industry regulatory bodies, and this will continue until the 2030 tax year.

Pertubuhan Penggerak Huffaz Berkemahiran Selangor chairman Datuk Ahmad Tajudin Jab said the increased allocation, especially the RM55mil set aside for GiatMARA and community colleges for five years to equip 10,000 huffaz students from tahfiz and pondok institutions with skills training, is a positive move.

He said increasing the TVET education per capita grant rate by 15% can help raise the access to TVET education for under-represented groups especially the rural population.

“This can enhance social equity and empower communities through education and skills development,” he added.