Langkawi: A new ecosystem in education, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), must be accelerated to achieve the government’s target of producing 60,000 highly skilled engineers. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the need for increased student intake and focus on engineering programs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the country currently needs 60,000 engineers but is only able to produce around 6,000 annually. Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of expediting the development of a new learning ecosystem to meet this demand. He highlighted the inclusion of school leavers from fully residential schools, Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), and private Maahad Tahfiz to encourage participation in the engineering field.

He made these remarks after witnessing the signing of five Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) between Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) and five industry players at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25).

Ahmad Zahid noted the recruitment of more Maahad Tahfiz graduates for engineering programs at UniKL and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), particularly in aerospace. Currently, 1,962 students are enrolled in aerospace courses at UniKL, including 129 huffaz graduates from Maahad Tahfiz Ulul Albab.

He expressed gratitude for the positive reception of these huffaz students by UniKL MIAT and industry players, recognizing their ability to adapt quickly in practical settings. The MoAs involving UniKL MIAT and industry partners such as Galaxy Aerospace, Aerostar Technologies, Global Turbine Asia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, and Pen Aviation are expected to enhance curriculum and technical training, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key regional aerospace industry hub.