Putrajaya: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is emerging as a primary choice rather than a fallback option for the younger generation, as evidenced by increased enrolment and high employability rates among its graduates.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the government's dedication to advancing the TVET agenda as a crucial element in developing human capital and fostering economic growth. He expressed hope that initiatives like National TVET Day would shift public perception, showcasing TVET as a leading career path that can cultivate future professionals, technology creators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Dr Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of a highly skilled workforce, new technologies, and a culture of innovation in driving the nation's economic future, underscoring the priority of empowering TVET. To enhance the national vocational education ecosystem, the government has designated June 2 as National TVET Day annually, aiming to increase public awareness of TVET's role in building a progressive, competitive, and skills-based future.
The National TVET Day 2026 celebration, set for June 5 to 7 at Dataran Putrajaya, will convene educational institutions, industry players, entrepreneurs, youth, and the general public. The event will feature technology and innovation exhibitions, a TVET Career Carnival, industry seminars, robotics and Drone Soccer challenges, a Future Skills Showcase, a TVET entrepreneurship platform, and interactive family activities.
Dr Ahmad Zahid noted that the celebration would also strengthen strategic partnerships between TVET institutions and industry, ensuring that talents align with current job market demands driven by technology, innovation, and skills. He also mentioned that 1,398 TVET institutions nationwide play a pivotal role in the country's development.
As the National TVET Council chairman, Dr Ahmad Zahid reported that 229,121 students, or 56.86 percent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school leavers and equivalents, opted for TVET studies, with total enrolment reaching 459,558 last year. The employability rate for TVET graduates reached 95.9 percent in 2025, up from 95.6 percent the previous year, demonstrating the acceptance and success of TVET in producing the skilled workforce needed by industries and the economy.
He concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to contribute to the success of National TVET Day 2026.