Vocational graduates human capital for nation building, DPM tells UN

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi spoke of Malaysia's state of education at the 71st United Nations General Assembly.

Zahid's speech had more than 20 points addressing serious issues ranging from national development and commitment to meeting the 2030 Agenda and the goals stated within to combating terrorism, human trafficking, modern slavery and climate change.

When addressing education, Zaid highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Educational Training and its contribution to the nation. Malaysia's TVET is doing exceptionally well in terms of quality of education and producing graduates with employability rates exceeding 90%.

According to Zahid, all efforts are being made to ensure the implementation of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan. "By providing essential skills through TVET programmes, we are not only preparing the youth for the labour market, but also preparing human capital for nation building" he said.

The TVET programmes in Malaysia are the product of collaboration between the National Youth Skills Institute and various multinational companies.

In May of 2016, Skills Development Department or (JPK) said that the perception towards  technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the country has improved of the past years, prompting positive responses, as many are considering TVET as a first choice and no longer viewed as a last resort.

TVET's growth and employability potential has significantly grown in the public eye due to its importance and its value nationwide. Additionally, the Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said back in May "the Malaysian Youth Council launched the 1Youth 1Skill (1B1K) programme to help youths get involved in skills training programmes and select TVET as a career choice."

Khairy said that students pursuing TVET are assured that their training is in line with industry demand which makes graduates all the more desirable.