That’s a great tool: Ahmad Zahid (right) checking out a gadget during his visit to the ACTVET in Abu Dhabi. Accompanying him are Mubarak Saeed (second from right), Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki (third from right) and Malaysian ambassador to the UAE, Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin (left, second row). — Bernama
ABU DHABI: The government is mulling the introduction of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for younger students, similar to the approach adopted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said that currently, the TVET programme in the national education system was introduced to students at the age of 16, while in the UAE, it was available for students as young as 11.
“This requires commitment from the government, the two ministries (Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry), and parents, especially when they make TVET the first choice for their children.
“I will look into this (first) as I do not want to ‘shake up’ the existing education system,” he told a press conference here yesterday, Bernama reported.
On Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), where he met with its director-general Dr Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, and other leaders.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the visit had opened up an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between ACTVET and the National TVET Council (MTVET) to enhance Malaysia’s vocational education system.
“At ACTVET, enrolment begins as early as age 11, progressing through various skill levels and achieving internationally recognised standards such as WorldSkills. This commitment to excellence reflects our aspirations for MTVET in Malaysia,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said that by adopting the best practices of ACTVET, Malaysia and the UAE intended to develop a high-quality TVET system that would not only equip students with practical skills but also instil confidence and pride in those pursuing it.
“Malaysia hopes that cooperation with ACTVET can be further strengthened through joint training programmes, skills competitions and knowledge exchange.
“This effort is crucial in making Malaysia’s TVET system a source of pride for the nation, building resilience and increasing global competitiveness,” he said.
