PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s growing semiconductor, high-tech and automation industries are driving strong demand for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates.
Industry groups said sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles (EV), renewable energy, logistics, construction and data centres are actively seeking skilled TVET talent to support rapid industrial expansion.
Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association president Wong Siew Hai said the semiconductor industry in particular relies heavily on technician-driven roles that are critical to daily manufacturing operations.
“In-demand positions include equipment technicians, maintenance specialists, process technicians and assembly and test technicians.
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“These roles are essential to ensuring high machine uptime, stable production yields and consistent product quality,” he said.
Wong said demand was also increasing for automation and robotics technicians as semiconductor manufacturers embrace smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 systems.
He said TVET graduates are now a strategic pillar of the workforce for Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions.
“As the industry advances, Malaysia’s ambition is to move from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘Made by Malaysia’.
“This means moving from being the heart of manufacturing to becoming part of the brain of innovation,” he said.
Wong added that future TVET graduates would require stronger digital competencies alongside traditional technical skills.
He said employers were looking for qualifications such as Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia, Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia and diplomas in electrical, electronics, mechatronics and automation-related fields.
“Beyond technical skills, employers also place strong emphasis on safety awareness, discipline in cleanroom environments and adherence to standard operating procedures,” he said.
SME Association of Malaysia president Chin Chee Seong said SMEs are increasingly seeking workers who can contribute immediately with practical skills.
“TVET graduates are typically job-ready, require less training time and can directly support operations.
“With rapid technology adoption and cost pressures, SMEs need multi-skilled workers who can troubleshoot, adapt fast and deliver practical solutions on the ground,” he said.
Chin said industries currently facing the highest demand for TVET graduates include advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, EV, oil and gas, renewable energy, ICT, logistics and hospitality.
Critical roles include automation technicians, welders, HVAC technicians, industrial machine operators and maintenance specialists.
He added that Malaysia was facing a persistent shortage of skilled local TVET talent, particularly in high-tech and emerging sectors.
“There is a clear skills gap due to skills mismatch, limited industry exposure and the fast pace of technological change,” said Chin.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia president Datuk William Ng said many SMEs prefer TVET graduates because they are often ready to work compared to those from traditional academic pathways.
“Small businesses operate on leaner margins and require immediate productivity.
“We have seen many TVET graduates capable of troubleshooting and optimising processes with minimal hand-holding,” he said.
Ng added that industries such as green technology and automotive are increasingly seeking expertise in EV maintenance and renewable energy, while logistics and construction sectors are looking for digital system integrators and automation specialists.
“Employers expect graduates to possess hybrid skills combining technical competency, digital literacy and soft skills such as communication and teamwork,” he said.
