PETALING JAYA: The government aims to improve agricultural technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes across the country to accelerate the development of youths in the industry, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes following the end of a multi-ministry workshop organised by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry on Monday and Monday and Tuesday (April 20 and 21).
Ahmad Zahid said the workshop, held with the support of the National TVET Council which he chairs, showcased the growing need for a transformation of the agricultural sector.
"The workshop focused on coordinating agricultural TVET programmes across ministries to ensure more structured, integrated and high-impact implementation.
"It also addressed current challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly efforts to attract more youth to pursue agriculture as a viable future career," he said in a statement on Thursday (April 23).
He added that the workshop helped identify potential high-impact programmes and sustainable implementation models to ensure that government initiatives deliver beneficial returns for the country and the people.
"We also recognised the importance of strengthening strategic collaboration with industry players, and expanding training placement opportunities to improve graduate employability.
"Emphasis was also placed on developing agropreneurship as a driver of a more innovative, competitive agricultural transformation that appeals to the younger generation.
"As such, we understand the need for a comprehensive agricultural sector transformation by leveraging technology, innovation and training approaches that are more responsive to industry needs," he said.
To this, Ahmad Zahid said findings and recommendations from the workshop will be presented at the upcoming TVET Council meeting for higher-level consideration.
"I am confident that this more coordinated approach will enhance the effectiveness of agricultural TVET programmes, and attract more youth into agriculture as a viable career, thereby improving the image and appeal of agricultural TVET," he said.
