KUALA LUMPUR – Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fortify Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a cornerstone of national talent development and economic progress.
In a statement today marking National TVET Day 2026, Ramanan said TVET has become a strategic priority as Malaysia adapts to a fast-evolving global economy shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and industrial digitalisation.
“TVET is not merely a skills training system, but the foundation of economic resilience, industrial strength and the future competitiveness of the nation,” he said.
He noted that institutions under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) continue to deliver highly employable graduates through industry-focused programmes supported by the Industry Lead Body (ILB) and Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC).
“As a result, the employability rate of graduates from training institutions under KESUMA reached 95.5 per cent within six months of completing their training, with 85.1 per cent of graduates employed in fields related to their training. Employer satisfaction has also reached 97.2 per cent, demonstrating the quality of training and the strong alignment between the programmes offered and actual industry needs,” he said.
The Sungai Buloh MP added that the July 2026 UP_TVET Perdana intake has provided over 20,000 study places across 315 TVET institutions nationwide.
He said the Department of Manpower (JTM) remains instrumental in strengthening Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem through its network of 33 ADTEC campuses, including the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI) and Proton Institute, as well as satellite campuses in Senai and Anjung Muadzam.
“TVET programmes now cover 11 major clusters, including manufacturing, electronics, ICT, welding, automation, transportation and electrical energy, alongside emerging technology fields such as semiconductors, robotics, cybersecurity, aerospace, renewable energy and hydrogen technology,” the vice president of PKR said.
He also pointed to strategic partnerships with industry players such as Proton, Petronas, Petros, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Infineon Technologies, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) and Micron Memory Malaysia, which have enhanced training quality through technology transfer, industrial placements and graduate employment opportunities.
Ramanan highlighted the Kesuma Semiconductor Academy (ASK) at JMTI in Penang as a step to expand training in semiconductor technology and other future-focused industries.
“At the same time, the Department of Skills Development (JPK) continues to strengthen the TVET system through the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM), the Malaysia TVET Rating (MTR), and the implementation of the Malaysian Modular Skills Certificate (SKMM) to expand access to training, reskilling and upskilling programme,” he added.
He emphasised the Inclusive MADANI TVET (TiM) initiative, which ensures training opportunities are accessible to all, including the B40 community, persons with disabilities (PwD), Orang Asli, women, school dropouts and rural populations.
The vice president of PKR said that these efforts are supported by the disability-friendly Nibong Tebal Campus, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity in TVET education.
Ramanan added that reforms are underway to the National Skills Development Act 2006 (Act 652) to improve governance, expand flexible learning pathways, and boost industry participation in talent development.
“The government believes that developing a sustainable and inclusive TVET ecosystem is a strategic national investment to produce a future workforce that is highly skilled, innovative and competitive,” he said. – June 3, 2026