Speaker
Description
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone in building a nation’s capacity to produce highly skilled and industry-ready human capital. In the context of Malaysia’s aspiration to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy, TVET plays a vital role in addressing skills gaps and improving employability, particularly in technical and industrial sectors. However, despite its potential, TVET continues to be constrained by several enduring challenges. Chief among these is the negative societal perception that continues to portray TVET as a ‘second-class’ educational pathway, often overshadowed by conventional academic routes. Furthermore, collaboration between TVET institutions and industry players remains limited, leading to a disconnect between the skills delivered through training and the competencies required in the workforce. This conceptual paper aims to explore the implementation and strategic direction of TVET in Malaysia, with particular emphasis on its integration within the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN). MTUN, comprising four public technical universities, represents a unique model in bridging the gap between vocational education and higher education, offering practical, technology-driven programmes aligned with industry needs. The findings suggest that MTUN-based TVET programmes are on the right trajectory, contributing significantly to economic development by producing a workforce equipped with future-ready skills. The implications of this study underscore the need for a national paradigm shift in how TVET is perceived and supported. By realigning policy, strengthening industry engagement, and promoting public awareness, TVET can be positioned not only as a viable but as a preferred educational and career pathway in Malaysia’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
Keywords: Human capital, industry collaboration, MTUN, skills development, TVET
