Budget 2026: Increased TVET Allocation Reflects Gov't’s Commitment To Producing Innovative Workforce

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The increased allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to RM7.9 billion under Budget 2026 reflects the government’s strong commitment to nurturing a skilled, high-income and innovative workforce.  

National TVET Council (MTVET) member Howard Lee Chuan How said the focus on key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electric Vehicles (EV), semiconductors, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and high-tech manufacturing not only enhances Malaysia’s competitiveness but also defines the future direction of an industry-driven TVET system.  

“This alignment demonstrates harmony between industrial and educational policies — a bold move to position Malaysia as a regional hub for skills development, reduce reliance on foreign labour, and increase the nation’s appeal for high-quality investments,” he said in a statement today.  

He also suggested that both local and international companies should become key strategic partners in strengthening the national TVET ecosystem.  

“Among the concrete measures to be enhanced are co-designing curricula with industry to ensure training matches market needs, expanding industrial training and apprenticeship programmes at scale, and promoting shared access to training facilities and technology between TVET institutions and the private sector.”  

“Additionally, the TVET ecosystem must integrate green and digital skills — including AI, robotics, quantum and semiconductor technologies — into its curriculum, while pursuing internationally recognised certifications so that Malaysia’s workforce can compete globally,” he said.  

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM7.9 billion for TVET under Budget 2026, up from RM7.5 billion this year, to train more local talent for high-growth industries and support priority sectors.  

Meanwhile, Yayasan Peneraju (YP) Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Sani welcomed the RM6 billion total allocation under Budget 2026 for YP, MARA and Universiti Teknologi MARA, aimed at strengthening Bumiputera education opportunities — empowering 12,000 Bumiputera talents next year.  

“Our goal is to produce 2,000 Chartered Accountants and 10,000 technology specialists within the same year, including in critical areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).  

“With a growing pool of highly skilled Bumiputera tech talent, Malaysia can attract more international firms and investors to establish their operations here,” he said.  

He added that YP’s accounting pathway offers a fast track to professional accreditation, enabling students to attain Chartered Accountant status as early as age 21 through programmes such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).  

“At the same time, YP’s technology programme offers over 90 global certifications across fields such as Ethical Hacking, Cybersecurity, Enterprise AI & Data Practitioner, and ArchiMate® EA Foundation & Practitioner,” he said.

-- BERNAMA