KUALA LUMPUR: Skills-based graduates are in high demand but employers are looking for more than just technical expertise, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“Technical skills are your foundation, but versatility will be your superpower,” said the MCA president.
While Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) equips students with the practical skills in demand by modern industries, Dr Wee said graduates must also develop cross-disciplinary capabilities to stay competitive.
“The market rewards the electrician who understands customer service, the hairstylist who dominates social media and the technician who thinks like an entrepreneur.
“Integrate digital literacy, whether basic coding, data awareness or smart tools, into your work to remain fiercely competitive,” he said at VTAR Institute’s 28th convocation ceremony at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology yesterday.
Dr Wee said TVET graduates continue to enjoy strong employment prospects, with more than 95.6% securing jobs within six months of graduation.
“The industry is increasingly recognising that high-level technical expertise deserves premium compensation, in line with ongoing efforts by the National TVET Council to establish highly competitive salary structures,” he said.
He added that the outlook for technical talent has never been brighter, with hundreds of thousands of students now choosing TVET as their preferred pathway.
Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the 320 graduates are entering the workforce at a “golden moment”, with Malaysia’s economic plans projected to create more than one million jobs, driven by manufacturing and the digital economy.
“The global job market is also seeking expertise in technology, green energy, healthcare and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Describing VTAR as one of the country’s leading TVET providers, Dr Wee said the institute has remained ahead of the curve through strong industry partnerships.
Its efforts have earned a five-star rating from the Skills Development Department for its electrical installation and electronic equipment programmes.
“VTAR has given you the tools, confidence and capability. Use them to innovate, build and uplift society while embracing every challenge as an opportunity to prove your worth,” he told graduates.
VTAR chief executive officer Tan Cheng Liang said quality education goes beyond technical training and also emphasises character, ethics and professional values.
She encouraged graduates to continue learning and adapting throughout their careers.
“Lifelong learning is no longer an option but a necessity. Success is not measured solely by position or income, but by the positive impact you make on your family, community and society,” she said.
Tan also announced that the Energy Commission had approved VTAR’s licence to conduct chargeman programmes on both a full-time and part-time basis, with the training centre expected to open by the end of June.
She said the first intake, scheduled to begin in October with 25 spots, is already full.
Tan added that the institute’s second Plumbing Programme intake has begun with strong support from the Malaysia Plumbing Association.
“We have also applied to the National Water Services Commission for accreditation under the A1 licence category.
“Once approved, it will further strengthen the quality and professionalism of plumbing education while helping meet the growing demand for skilled plumbing professionals,” she said.
