07/08/2025

THURSDAY | AUG 7, 2025

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COMMENT by Kumaran Nair Shanmugam

Empowering youths through TVET A S Malaysia charts its path towards a high-income nation status, one thing is clear: our workforce must be prepared for the demands of a fast

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training is no longer an alternative pathway; it is a critical pillar in equipping our youths with future-ready skills.

The shift towards outcome-based education is ensuring that curricula are developed with direct input from employers and tailored to evolving job markets. – BERNAMAPIC gaining traction,

evolving, innovation-driven economy. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer an alternative pathway; it is a critical pillar in equipping our youths with future-ready skills. TVET stakeholders, including the government, education sector and industries, are stepping up to address long-standing challenges. However, systemic reform is needed to close persistent skills gaps, improve public perception and embed practical, outcome-driven learning that directly supports industry needs. TVET in schools A future-proof workforce starts with early exposure. Malaysia is beginning to embed TVET principles into school environments, calling on teachers to introduce skill-based learning through engaging, real-world activities. Enhanced integration of industry involvement, particularly within STEM education, will offer students early insight into potential career pathways and the competencies required for future employment. This initiative involves industries adopting nearby schools and collaborating closely with the Education Ministry to showcase current and emerging industry trends, which will provide students with valuable industry perspectives. By merging STEM with vocational elements, students can develop technical expertise and skillful thinking. This will ensure that school leavers are better prepared for further training and more empowered to make informed decisions about their futures. TVET institutes TVET institutions can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic learning and the realities of modern industry. The shift towards outcome-based education is gaining traction, ensuring that curricula are developed with direct input from employers and tailored to evolving job markets. Equally important is the role of instructors. Trainers and lecturers must undergo regular industry placements to stay aligned with current tools, technologies and practices. Only then can they bring meaningful, real-world

aligning with national goals. Malaysia’s success in becoming a high income nation hinges on whether we can transform TVET into a preferable choice, a future-proof educational pathway. From early exposure in schools to dual training programmes and robust public-private partnerships, the time to act is now. To ensure the relevance and impact of TVET, programmes must be developed with a strong focus on industry clusters. Industry associations and sectoral groups play a critical role in shaping TVET initiatives and must be actively involved in their design and implementation. These groups should be empowered and supported by policy frameworks that enable them to strategically guide the development of a future-ready workforce aligned with industry needs. Outcome-based TVET is not just about employability; it is about national resilience, innovation and economic relevance. With the right policy direction, sustainable investment and strong industry engagement, Malaysia can build a workforce that is not only ready for tomorrow but also shaping it. Kumaran Nair Shanmugam is the head of Vocational Education and Training at the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

training in real work environments. The presence of dedicated in-company trainers will ensure continuity, relevance and quality in skills development. R&D collaboration between companies and TVET institutions will also open doors for innovation in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, energy and services. Engaging students in real-world problem solving will enhance their capabilities and support national priorities like automation, sustainability and digital transformation. Policy support and outcome-based funding For these efforts to scale and succeed, government policies can be further enhanced to incentivise collaboration. Public-private partnerships are critical to fostering joint ownership of Malaysia’s workforce development. By embedding in company training culture in national strategies, we can create a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent. Funding, too, must be reimagined. Rather than short-term project allocations, investments should focus on long-term institutional development, innovation and partnerships. Public TVET institutions can evolve into public-private partnership models that encourage ongoing industry participation while

insights into the classroom. One model showing significant promise is the dual education system, where students alternate between classroom instruction and structured in-company training. This approach balances theory with practice, meeting industry demand for skilled talent while giving students confidence and readiness for the workforce. It also cultivates long-term career thinking, helping students resist the lure of short-term, unsustainable income options. Moreover, TVET institutions must nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging graduates to not only seek employment but also to create it. This shift is vital in positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for innovation and high-value industries. Building incompany training culture Companies must go beyond recruitment and play a leading role in training and curriculum development. A strong culture of incompany training is essential for workforce planning, business continuity and national competitiveness. It is also crucial for strengthening supply chains. Structured dual training and industry-led research and development (R&D) centres can help address future sector-specific challenges. Companies can tailor their talent pipelines by providing standardised, quality-assured