Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is aiming to transform the current loan system of the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) into grants, as announced by its minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. This proposal is set to be presented at the upcoming Cabinet meeting for further deliberation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan emphasized the need for this shift, highlighting that many PTPK borrowers who are enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program have had to leave their jobs. The burden of repaying loans while not having a regular income has been challenging for these individuals. "We will seek the consideration of the Honourable Prime Minister and Cabinet members to convert this RM100 million PTPK loan into a grant, if possible," Ramanan stated during a media briefing after inaugurating the National TVET Instructors and 2026 Accredited Centre Managers Conference.
In his speech, Ramanan noted the significance of the conference, describing it as a reflection of the nation's policy commitment and a testament to TVET's crucial role in Malaysia's human capital development strategy under the Malaysia MADANI initiative. He added that TVET is pivotal in eliminating skills mismatches, steering the nation toward becoming a Regional Innovation Hub, and attracting high-value investments. The ultimate goal, according to Ramanan, is to attain a Gross National Income per capita of approximately RM77,200 annually.
During the conference, Ramanan also introduced the Internationalisation Action Plan for the Department of Skills Development, covering the years 2026 to 2030. He explained that this plan is anchored on six strategic pillars, focusing on achieving global recognition, upgrading the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) to a world-class institution, and promoting international innovation and excellence in TVET programs. Governance will be based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Ramanan stressed that a critical component of this plan is aligning the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) with international standards, ensuring that the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) attains recognition from foreign professional bodies with Global Excellence status.