Kangar: Malaysia needs "Future-Oriented" Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates who not only wait for jobs but also create value, aligning with the country's efforts to strengthen the MADANI Economy Framework and the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Department of Skills Development deputy director-general (Operations and Management) Dalila Sharingat emphasized that graduates must not only know "How To Operate," but also know "How To Improve." They should be capable of questioning, improving, and innovating the systems they use.

Dalila articulated that TVET's role extends beyond producing workers and includes being a catalyst for national productivity. It is a pathway to social mobility and forms the foundation of economic competitiveness. She made these remarks during her speech at the opening ceremony of the Northern TVET Convocation Series 2024/2025 at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP).

During the ceremony, 126 graduates received their certificates and diplomas, which included Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM), Malaysian Skills Diplomas (DKM), Malaysian Advanced Skills Diplomas (DLKM), and instructor certificates from various fields.

Dalila encouraged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning, asserting that the SKM is merely the beginning. She advised them to consider further education options such as the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), a Bachelor's degree through the MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency's) route, international routes, Professional Certification, or Micro-Credentials.