Expert Mulls TVET Act To Boost New Industrial Master Plan 2030 Implementation

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman and Mikhail Raj Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- A comprehensive legislative framework in the form of a National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act will further strengthen the implementation of Malaysia’s industrial and talent development agenda under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).

“Legislation would give clearer structure and authority to coordination efforts that are already underway, particularly for long-term development,” Dr Zainal Azhar ZA, a TVET expert at the Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body Council of Experts (Education), told Bernama here recently.

He said the proposed Act would further empower the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) by providing a stronger institutional mechanism to coordinate efforts across ministries, state governments, agencies and industry players.

At present, he said Malaysia does not have a single, standalone National TVET Act.

Instead, the sector was governed through a combination of existing legislation such as the National Skills Development Act 2006, education-related laws and policy instruments.

Nevertheless, Zainal said NIMP 2030 has provided a clear and coherent direction by positioning TVET as a key driver of industrial upgrading.

“NIMP 2030 gives TVET a clear economic purpose and direction,” he said.

He noted that under the plan, MITI plays a central leadership role in aligning talent development with industrial needs, particularly in high-value, technology-driven and future-oriented sectors.

He said clearly defined roles and funding mechanisms would help ensure smoother execution on the ground while reinforcing MITI’s role as the main policy anchor for industry-driven TVET initiatives.

“There is also the importance of addressing the demand side of the ecosystem, particularly the needs of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Malaysia’s industrial landscape.

“SMEs must be supported to move up the value chain so they can fully benefit from the skilled workforce being developed under NIMP 2030. When SMEs upgrade alongside larger firms, TVET graduates can be better absorbed and retained,” he said.

He added that this would allow TVET to function not only as a skills training pathway but as an economic enabler that supports productivity growth, wage progression and stronger industrial linkages.

On branding of TVET, Zainal said weak perception remains one of the biggest challenges facing TVET in Malaysia, despite strong opportunities and infrastructure.

“When there is no clear branding pillar, the narrative becomes diluted and people fail to see TVET as a future pathway. Branding is not merely about promotion, but about signalling national intent and direction.

“Branding tells parents, students and industry what TVET is meant to achieve and where it sits in the country’s economic journey,” he said.

In this regard, Zainal suggested aligning TVET more closely with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to reinforce its association with innovation, advanced technology and future industries.

“When TVET is linked to science, technology and innovation, perceptions shift automatically towards progress and opportunity,” he said.

He also encouraged the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels of TVET, including teaching and assessment, saying it should be embraced rather than restricted.

“Let students use AI. What matters is how they think and engage with AI, not (outright) banning the tool,” he added.

-- BERNAMA