PUTRAJAYA: The strategic collaboration between the Transport Ministry and the Defence Ministry to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for military personnel is a “game changer” that will create greater access to high-skilled employment opportunities after military service, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the initiative has been a long-held aspiration since his tenure as defence minister, particularly in ensuring that serving personnel and veterans have clearer career pathways in the civilian workforce and industry.
“Today, we are witnessing a game changer that I have envisioned since I served as defence minister.
“It is not only about providing veterans with opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors, but also about ensuring they continue to contribute as a skilled workforce needed by the nation,” he said at an event marking the strategic collaboration here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
For the initial stage of the collaboration, Ahmad Zahid said 3,208 vacancies have been identified across the transport sector, covering the port, logistics, rail, public transport and land transport subsectors – demonstrating the effectiveness of a cross-ministerial approach that prioritises swift action over working in isolation.
He said the proposal was submitted by the Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) to the National TVET Council about three months ago and was realised within a short period.
According to Ahmad Zahid, Perhebat has also undergone a transformation by introducing programmes that better match current industry demands, replacing conventional courses that offered limited returns to participants.
“When Perhebat stepped outside its comfort zone and pursued something extraordinary, it received an immediate response from the Transport Ministry and swift support from the Defence Minister.
“This is not about politics or elections. It is about delivering the national agenda and demonstrating the Madani government’s commitment to all segments of society, especially those transitioning from military service,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also noted that sectors such as logistics, aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul, maritime industries and other service sectors require workers with strong discipline and work ethics.
Military personnel, he said, possess these qualities through years of training and service, making them valuable assets to industry.
“I am confident that the discipline instilled in military personnel will help industries secure a high-quality workforce, not only in terms of skills but also dedication, focus and professionalism,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, said the government is moving towards TVET 2.0, with a greater emphasis on developing a high-impact, highly skilled workforce aligned with market needs.
He said RM7.9bil has been allocated this year for training students and coordinating 1,345 TVET institutions under 12 ministries.
The coordination effort is already yielding results, with enrolment in TVET institutions rising to 497,000 students from just 121,000 two years ago.
