Kuala lumpur: Since childhood, whenever he had the chance to accompany his father - an aircraft technician with Airod Sdn Bhd - to work, Buvanraj Rajasingam's gaze would be fixed on the aircraft taking off from the runway. The roar of the engines and the sight of the aircraft gradually shrinking as it pierced the blue sky sparked a quiet ambition within him - to one day become a pilot and take to the skies himself.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the journey to the cockpit was far from smooth, as Buvanraj had to navigate numerous twists, setbacks, and challenges before realizing his dream. His perseverance eventually paid off, and he is set to take on the role of First Officer with AirAsia this year. Initially aspiring to be a pilot, Buvanraj was advised by his father to first pursue studies in aircraft maintenance to build a strong foundation and understanding of aircraft.

Beginning his journey by majoring in aircraft maintenance at the Shah Alam Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC), the 32-year-old has since proven that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathway can open doors to career opportunities, reaching the highest levels of the aviation industry. After completing his studies and obtaining a license, Buvanraj served as an aircraft technician with AirAsia for eight years before enrolling in the airline's Cadet Pilot programme in 2023 to pursue his original ambition.

The early exposure to aircraft systems provided by the institution, combined with hands-on work experience, made it easier for him to successfully pass the five stages of screening tests before being accepted into the two-year pilot training programme. Buvanraj highlighted that those entering the pilot field straight after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) lack a full understanding of aircraft systems, which requires them to learn the basics from the beginning.

Meanwhile, final-semester Diploma in Engineering Technology in Avionics Maintenance student at Universiti Kuala Lumpur-Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT), Muhammad Danish Aqil Azmi, 21, emphasized that TVET education equips students with practical skills, enabling them to enter the workforce directly upon graduation. He noted that the university combines strong academic theory with intensive, industry-based practical training to prepare students for their careers.

Muhammad Danish Aqil, who is also enrolled in UniKL MIAT's Huffaz Professional programme, a tahfiz initiative, stated that TVET-based aviation skills are highly transferable and applicable in other industries, such as oil and gas, due to their similar technical foundations. He addressed concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing jobs for TVET graduates, asserting that skilled workers are still needed to build, maintain, and teach new technologies.

Another TVET student, Nur Lisa Jasni, 22, pursuing a Bachelor of Automotive Engineering Technology (Maintenance) at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI), shared that TVET provides opportunities for women like her to venture into traditionally male-dominated fields. She emphasized the importance of occupational safety and health training, which helps students become familiar with real workplace conditions.

Commenting on the future of the automotive sector, Nur Lisa pointed to the growth of the industry and the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia as examples of new job opportunities and expanded workforce skills. She encouraged students completing their SPM to consider TVET for strong employment prospects and career advancement.

To further strengthen the development of a skilled workforce, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) in September 2023. The plan aims to transform the country's industrial sector, with targets for increased manufacturing sector value-added, job creation, and rising median salaries by 2030. Early achievements of the plan include a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation as of the second quarter of 2024.