KUALA LUMPUR—The Commonwealth Student Governance Summit (CSGS) 2024 concluded yesterday with calls to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a prestigious and practical educational pathway.
Held at Limkokwing University to mark International Students Day, the event brought together global youth leaders, educators, and policymakers to address the future of education and the workforce.
Key discussions centred on reshaping TVET’s image to make it more appealing to students and parents, a challenge underscored by the summit’s theme: Championing TVET Agenda.
Moderated by Benjamin Fraser, chairperson of the Commonwealth Students Association, the panel featured notable speakers such as Datuk Tiffanee Marie, Limkokwing University’s Group chief brand officer, and Natasha Zulkifli, director of YTL Construction.
“TVET is a cornerstone for preparing youth for the job market, but outdated perceptions hinder its potential,” said Tiffanee, who highlighted TVET’s role in poverty alleviation and addressing global wealth inequality.
“Education, especially TVET, offers a sustainable solution to breaking the cycle of poverty.”
Natasha echoed these sentiments, urging the Malaysian government to prioritise TVET by establishing a dedicated entity to oversee its development.
“There is a stigma around TVET being second-class work. We need collaboration with industries to develop a curriculum that aligns with future workforce needs,” she said, advocating for long-term planning under Malaysia’s 12th Malaysia Plan.
Kishva Ambigapathy, executive director of the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub, emphasised TVET’s growing relevance in the post-pandemic era.
“Skills now matter more than degrees. Employers seek value and practical expertise, making TVET a pathway to thriving in a tech-driven world,” he said, stressing the need to change perceptions of skilled professions globally.
The summit also marked the launch of Limkokwing Creative TVET (CVET), a new initiative aimed at equipping students with innovative and practical skills.
Tiffanee affirmed Limkokwing University’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, saying, “We believe in empowering students to lead and create meaningful change in their communities.” — November 18, 2024