Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan today urged Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates to utilize their skills to pursue entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on salaried employment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad addressed attendees at the ASEAN TVET Friendly Match 2025 launch, emphasizing that TVET graduates possess the competencies to explore entrepreneurial ventures in various sectors. He highlighted that while TVET graduates may initially work for private companies, the ultimate objective is for them to establish their own businesses. He pointed to fields related to electrical work as examples of sectors ripe for entrepreneurship.

Ahmad also expressed his approval of the recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding an additional RM40 million funding for the National TVET Council and RM10 million for Melaka. He described this financial boost as essential for advancing TVET entrepreneurship development.

The Deputy Minister assured that the Works Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry would fully utilize the allocated funds, including improving entrepreneurship curricula at institutions like the Malaysia Construction Academy (ABM), overseen by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), to cultivate ‘techno-entrepreneurs’.

The ASEAN TVET Friendly Match is a pioneering event under the theme ‘Talent for Inclusivity and Sustainability’. It features 40 young participants from 12 countries, including six ASEAN members and six invited nations, competing across nine skill categories from June 24 to 27 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia, as the host nation, has 20 skilled young participants from various TVET institutions taking part in the event.