KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer a second choice but a preferred option among the younger generation, driven by rising enrolment and high employability rates among graduates, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The National TVET Council chairman said 229,121 students, or 56.86 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers and equivalents, chose TVET studies, while total enrolment reached 459,558 last year.
In addition, 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide are now a core part of the nation's development.
As such, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the government remains committed to strengthening the TVET agenda as a key driver of human capital development and future economic growth.
"I hope that the government's efforts through the organisation of National TVET Day will change public perception, showing that it is no longer a second choice but a top career path capable of producing a future generation of professionals, technology creators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (May 28).
He added that the nation’s economic future will be driven by a highly skilled workforce, new technologies, and a culture of innovation, which is why empowering TVET remains a priority.
Ahmad Zahid said that to strengthen the national vocational education ecosystem, the government has declared June 2 as National TVET Day each year to raise public awareness of the field's importance in building a more progressive, competitive, and skills-based future.
He added that the National TVET Day 2026 celebration, scheduled to take place at Dataran Putrajaya from June 5 to 7, will bring together educational institutions, industry players, entrepreneurs, youth, and the general public.
A variety of programmes are lined up, including technology and innovation exhibitions, a TVET career carnival, industry seminars, robotics and drone soccer challenges, a future skills showcase, a TVET entrepreneurship platform, and interactive activities for families.
The celebration will also reinforce strategic cooperation between TVET institutions and industry, ensuring talents meet current job-market demands rooted in technology, innovation, and skills. – Bernama
