MELAKA: The development of TVET 2.0 for the 2026-2035 period will chart a new direction for transforming the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council, said four rounds of engagement sessions had been carried out in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and Pahang, involving 256 participants.
"Feedback and views from various stakeholders are being refined to strengthen TVET policies and development plans that are more responsive to industry needs,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Elaborating, Ahmad Zahid said the government would continue to prioritise efforts to strengthen the country’s TVET ecosystem through policy reforms, workforce competency development and wider access to skills training.
He said these measure were crucial to ensuring local talent remained competitive and able to meet the needs of an economy increasingly driven by technology.
At the same time, he said the proposal to develop a National Competency Index (NCI) is also being given attention.
The initiative, proposed to be spearheaded by the Higher Education Ministry through MyRIVET at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), was designed to measure workforce competency based on three key dimensions, namely knowledge, skills and attitude.
"I view the development of this index as an important step towards identifying skills gaps more systematically, thereby strengthening the planning of reskilling and upskilling initiatives based on the actual needs of industry sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the expansion of Phase 3 of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 through the Nationhood Module at public TVET institutions had also been proposed, beginning in 2027/2028.
He said the phased implementation was projected to involve 673 institutions, with an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 participants, subject to consideration and implementation readiness.
He said the initiative aimed to develop a younger generation equipped not only with technical skills but also a strong sense of identity, discipline and patriotism.
"Efforts to expand opportunities for the public to enhance their skills are also being strengthened through the Community College Lifelong Learning (PSH) Implementation Model.
"This effort emphasises flexible learning, the provision of skills courses and strategic cooperation with various parties to enhance the community’s competencies, employability and income-generating opportunities,” he added.
In a related development, Ahmad Zahid said preparations for the 2027 National TVET Day celebration were also being prioritised, with Dataran Putrajaya proposed as the venue for the event from June 4-7, 2027.
"This celebration will continue to serve as an important platform to raise public awareness of educational and career opportunities in TVET, while strengthening cooperation between training institutions and industry.
"I am confident that through the government’s sustained commitment, alongside close collaboration between the industry and training institutions, TVET will continue to be strengthened as a preferred career pathway, producing a competent, competitive workforce ready to support the country’s economic growth,” he added. - Bernama
