Kuala Lampur:Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized the need for a shift in perception regarding youth success pathways, stating that universities should not be seen as the sole avenue for talent development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zambry highlighted that technical fields also provide career opportunities, especially for those who may not be academically inclined. He pointed out that polytechnics and community colleges offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificates, serving as valuable alternatives to traditional university education.
Applications to polytechnics have surged to 132 percent, up from 60 to 70 percent previously, reflecting changing attitudes. Dr. Zambry made these remarks during the 'Technology Driving Change: Is Malaysian Talent Ready?' dialogue session at Angkasapuri, coinciding with the launch of the Future Skills Framework for the Communications Sector and the Strategic Talent Development Initiative.
He noted that skills institutions are enhancing teaching approaches to meet the demand for technical workers, aligning with government goals to produce 60,000 engineers. Both degree qualifications and skilled training from these institutions are crucial in technical and engineering fields. Additionally, arts students interested in these areas can pursue them through intervention programs, with polytechnics already training 447 students in engineering diploma programs.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan addressed the skills mismatch issue, noting that 37 percent of skilled workers were not employed in the second quarter, despite a workforce of 16.8 million. He attributed this to job scarcity, skills mismatches, and unappealing salaries, stressing the need for a 'future-proof talent' strategy to better align skills with future job demands.
To bolster workforce development, the Ministry of Human Resources introduced the National Human Resources Policy 2026-2035, focusing on productive employment, career development, meaningful incomes, and adequate protection. Khairul Firdaus emphasized the necessity for balanced infrastructure development across states to prevent job and talent concentration in the Klang Valley.