KUALA LUMPUR: The government can provide policies, funding and the ecosystem, but human capital development cannot be achieved by the government alone, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is no longer an alternative pathway but one of excellence. Our responsibility is to ensure that every new investment coming into Malaysia translates into real opportunities for our people.
“We are preparing our workforce with the right skills so that when industries arrive, Malaysia will be ready with the talent, ecosystem and capacity to grow together with you.
“The next step is to ensure that skills translate into real progress. We must build an ecosystem where better skills lead to better jobs, higher incomes and a more secure future. This is what human capital development should ultimately achieve,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this in a speech read by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (pic) at the launch of Pertubuhan Gabungan Mukmin Nasional’s Mukmin Skills platform yesterday.
The platform brings together the government, industry, higher education institutions, TVET providers and professional bodies to bridge education with skills, employability and meaningful career opportunities.
Ahmad Zahid said the launch was timely as it brought together more than 150 Indian Muslim organisations under one network.
“I want to see more young people receiving industry-recognised training and professional certification; more partnerships creating apprenticeships, internships and direct employment; and ultimately, more young Malaysians emerging as technologists, professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders,” he said.
Mukmin president Datuk Shahul Dawood said skills should no longer be viewed merely as a complement to education, but as a strategic investment in the nation’s economic future.
“Skills are the new currency of the future economy. The future will not be defined by qualifications alone, but by our ability to learn continuously, adapt, solve problems and create value.
“Through Mukmin Skills, we want to take the next generation from being users of technology to creators of technology, from routine jobs to high-value careers, and from seeking opportunities to creating opportunities,” he said.
He added that Mukmin aspired to prepare the next generation not only to build on the community’s longstanding strengths in entrepreneurship and commerce, but also to lead in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, healthcare, digital technology, automation and advanced manufacturing.
