KUALA LUMPUR, October 29, 2026 — More young Malaysians are showing interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as attitudes towards skills-based education continue to improve.
National TVET Council (MTVET) secretariat head Ts Dr Azmir Mohd Yunus said applications to vocational colleges had risen sharply.
He said these colleges usually accept about 17,000 new students each year. However, around 60,000 applications had been received, nearly four times the usual intake.
Azmir shared the figures during Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme, which discussed the future of TVET and skills development.
TVET Offers More Career Opportunities
Azmir said TVET can prepare young people for a wide range of careers. These opportunities include jobs overseas and starting their own businesses.
However, he said more public awareness was still needed to help people understand the value of skills-based education.
For young people who are unsure which career to choose, he suggested exploring short courses at community colleges. These courses can help them discover their interests before choosing a longer programme.
TVET 2.0 Targets High-Skill Industries
The government’s TVET 2.0 initiative aims to develop skilled workers for industries that need specialised talent.
These sectors include electric vehicles, robotics and new energy. The initiative is designed to meet industry needs while creating better job opportunities for young Malaysians.
Entry Requirements Made More Flexible
Meanwhile, MTVET executive council member Dr Muhammad Faizal Tahiruddin said TVET 2.0 had adjusted some admission requirements to make skills training more accessible.
For example, entry requirements for students from tahfiz institutions seeking places at public skills training institutes have been relaxed.
He added that many skills-training programmes do not require a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate. However, some specialised or professional courses still have specific requirements.
More Support for Underserved Communities
The initiative also aims to reach young people who may not know about the opportunities available through TVET.
Agencies such as the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), tahfiz institutions and the Ministry of Youth and Sports are working to raise awareness.
Faizal said Orang Asli communities could benefit from training in areas such as agriculture and traditional crafts, including weaving.
With better access to skills training, more young Malaysians could gain practical abilities and explore new career paths.
Source: BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
