SEREMBAN: The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme is positioning itself as a key platform for Malaysian youth to gain essential technical skills, thereby enhancing their career prospects in a competitive job market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TVET implementation is managed by 1,398 public skill institutions across 12 ministries, along with state and private skill institutions in Malaysia. These institutions offer programmes targeting specific fields, responding to the growing demand for a skilled workforce. In particular, the Malaysia-China Youth TVET (MCYTT) programme has emerged as a leading initiative, providing high-value job opportunities through its various offerings.
Belia Mahir Project founder, Mohammad Rizan Hassan, highlighted TVET’s role as a strategic platform for equipping youth with industry-required technical skills, thus granting them a competitive edge. “Our students have the opportunity to attend TVET training in China through MCYTT if they meet the requ
irements,” he stated, adding that since 2023, 376 students have successfully entered the workforce in 36 local and international companies, including placements in China.
The MCYTT programme aligns with the aspirations of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chairman of the National TVET Council (MTVET), who envisions TVET as a cultural staple, particularly among the young. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) under the MCYTT programme further supports Malaysia by offering free TVET education and training in China, fostering the development of local skilled talent.
A total of 220 Chinese companies provide 5,125 training quotas for Malaysian students, marking a significant shift in the Malaysian TVET landscape. The government plans to send over 5,000 TVET students to China by 2025. This initiative underscores TVET’s commitment to developing specific skill sets that cater to industry demands, offering competitive incomes and promising futures.
Mohammad Rizan also noted the collaboration with
56 other strategic partners, offering TVET programmes at private institutions to help youths obtain the Malaysian Skills Certification (SKM) across five levels. He emphasized TVET’s capacity to not only create job opportunities but also bolster the national economy through a skilled workforce.
Sharing his personal journey, Mohammad Rizan recounted his transformation from a former Henry Gurney School student to a successful career in Japan, attributing his achievements to the skills learned during his detention.
Belia Mahir trainer R. Neshan, who has twice attended TVET training at Yantai Vocational College in China, praised the government’s efforts to enhance TVET, citing the increasing demand for skilled workers in the domestic and foreign markets.
Student Nimrod Jezreel Ortiz Balellio expressed gratitude for participating in the TVET programme in the automotive field of electric vehicles (EV) in China. He recounted the valuable experience gained and the opportunity to share his newfound knowledge with pe
ers back home.