Ahmad Zahid: MRO, Hydrogen, Maritime Among Priorities For RM50 Million TVET 2.0 Fund

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said up to RM50 million under the Skills Development Fund Corporation’s (PTPK) high-impact programme will be channelled towards introducing new fields of study in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) under TVET 2.0.

He said the new fields would include hydrogen energy technology, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), as well as maritime engineering, areas that have not previously been offered by TVET institutions.

“The fund is intended to translate the implementation of TVET 2.0 into concrete programmes, particularly in new areas that have not been taught at any TVET institution before.

“For example, training in hydrogen energy technology for vehicles and machinery, particularly in energy generation. It also includes MRO and maritime engineering,” he told reporters after the National TVET Day 2026 opening ceremony here today.

The ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and was attended by Cabinet ministers as well as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Ahmad Zahid said MRO has emerged as one of the most popular fields among TVET students due to its strong career prospects, including opportunities to undergo training abroad with leading global aviation companies such as Airbus and Boeing.

“MRO is now among the top choices because it is not only about attractive salaries, but also because students are given opportunities to train overseas with companies such as Airbus and Boeing,” he said.

He added that the government is also giving priority to graduates of tahfiz institutions and pondok schools to participate in TVET programmes, thereby enhancing their prospects of securing high-skilled employment.

Efforts to streamline the implementation of TVET across ministries and agencies under the coordination of the Chief Secretary to the Government will begin next month as part of measures to accelerate the rollout of TVET 2.0.

He said the move is crucial to ensure that all 12 ministries involved, together with their respective agencies, are able to implement the national TVET agenda in a more effective and coordinated manner.

“Demand exceeds supply. That is why we must expand training across various fields in line with workforce requirements and the needs of sectors receiving foreign direct investment (FDI),” he said.

Commenting on the sectors most in need of skilled workers, Ahmad Zahid said the MRO and semiconductor industries were among those facing the most urgent demand.

Earlier, Anwar, in his speech, said the government had agreed to allow the utilisation of up to RM50 million from the high-impact programme under the PTPK to strengthen the implementation of TVET 2.0.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the use of the fund would be subject to a condition that employers and industry players work closely with the government to ensure the success of the TVET 2.0 agenda.

Under the Budget 2026 framework, a total allocation of RM650 million has been earmarked for PTPK.

-- BERNAMA