Kuala Lumpur: All Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers have significant opportunities to engage with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) that fit their interests and skills, stated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National TVET Council chairman highlighted that Malaysia has 1,398 TVET institutions, including 673 public institutions, 697 private institutions, and 28 institutions under state governments. This ecosystem offers a broad range of skills that meet current industry demands and the labor market.
Ahmad Zahid extended his congratulations to the 402,956 SPM candidates who completed their examinations. He emphasized that SPM marks the beginning of a new phase in life, encouraging students to chart their future paths, whether in higher education or a career.
Further elaborating, the Rural and Regional Development Minister mentioned the year-round availability of opportunities to pursue TVET studies, with flexible options through the UP_TVET system. He noted that UP_TVET Flexi, introduced last month, enables individuals to undergo modular and flexible skills training at their own pace. Applications for full-time courses under UP_TVET Perdana for the July intake will open in April.
He stated that the Rural and Regional Ministry (KKDW), a key player in developing a skilled workforce in rural areas, offers 529 programs ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees, covering 15 clusters relevant to the job market through its 280 institutions.
Ahmad Zahid detailed that the institutions include Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Community Development Department (KEMAS), Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA), Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA), Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), and Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH).
He noted that the KKDW TVET Education System framework has successfully produced skilled workers, professionals, technologists, and entrepreneurs, with the employability rate of KKDW TVET graduates reaching 98 per cent in 2024. This underscores the vast employment opportunities provided by TVET, helping shape a promising future.
“The government is dedicated to ensuring that quality education and skills training are accessible to all societal levels. Therefore, I encourage students and parents to take this opportunity to build a sustainable and competitive career,” Ahmad Zahid added.