UniMAP aims to further expand its collaborations with industries and other TVET institutions to enhance the capabilities of TVET graduates, enabling them to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysia’s economic sustainability.
UniMAP to assist by promoting youth empowerment and economic growth
MALAYSIA is strengthening its commitment to achieving a high-income nation status by equipping its youth with practical, industry-relevant skills.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has been identified as a cornerstone in the nation’s economic strategy, with significant initiatives and investments being rolled out to modernise the sector and prepare young Malaysians for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.
In a groundbreaking move, the Education Ministry announced that basic TVET skills will be integrated into the primary school curriculum starting from 2027.
This initiative will equip young learners with hands-on learning, laying the foundation for technical expertise and adaptability from an early age.
Complementing this effort, the Human Resources Ministry has partnered with Huawei, a tech titan, to establish advanced TVET campuses across Malaysia, ensuring access for students to state-of-the-art facilities and training aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
Under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), the government has set a target to classify 35% of the workforce as skilled by 2025.
In support of this, the 2024 national budget allocated RM6.8bil for TVET programmes, including RM100mil for industry collaborations and an additional RM200mil approved mid-year to enhance TVET infrastructure in high-growth sectors.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasised the transformative potential of TVET, stating that the 2030 National TVET Policy would reframe Malaysia’s education landscape by positioning TVET as a premier pathway for career and entrepreneurial success.
Institutions like Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) are at the forefront of this mission, actively collaborating with industries to provide students with practical training and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
UniMAP’s close ties with industry have resulted in it being entrusted by the corporate giants Altair and ORS Technologies Sdn Bhd to establish the Altair Industrial Laboratory, located at UniMAP TVET Centre, Alam UniMAP Pauh Putra Campus.
UniMAP graduates achieve career milestones
UniMAP’s contributions to TVET are evident in the career success of its graduates.
The percentage of UniMAP graduates offered employment with premium salaries exceeding RM4,000 per month has increased from 10% in 2023 to 12% this year.
This percentage is expected to rise to 16% within six months post-graduation.
In September, the National TVET Council (MTVET) agreed to set premium salaries for TVET graduates at a range of RM2,500 to RM4,000 per month.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remarked that this salary benchmark exceeds the government’s minimum wage requirements and aims to attract more TVET graduates to relevant sectors.
In 2023, UniMAP achieved a graduate employability rate of 97.7%, with many graduates securing positions in multinational companies and earning premium salaries exceeding RM4,000 per month.
UniMAP aims to increase the percentage of graduates earning premium salaries to 30% within the next three years.
The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has set a target of 16% for all universities, and UniMAP is confident in surpassing this benchmark in the coming years.
UniMAP currently offers 43 academic programmes, 27 of which are TVET-focused and aligned with the TVET Programme Accreditation Code of Practice (COPTPA).
The university is planning to introduce four new academic programmes by 2025, including a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Bachelor’s in Data Science (Artificial Intelligence), Bachelor’s in Accounting developed under the COPTPA framework, and Bachelor’s in Applied Science (Metallurgical Material Technology).
These programmes are in the final stages of obtaining provisional accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
UniMAP currently hosts nearly 13,000 students and aims to increase enrolment to 15,000 by 2026 and 16,000 by 2030.
As a leader in the national TVET agenda, UniMAP aspires to develop industry-ready talent to meet the demands of the northern region and support Malaysia’s economic ambitions.
Empowering youth through early TVET exposure
UniMAP Civil Engineering & Technology faculty’s industrial networking & quality management coordinator Nur Anira Asyikin Hashim said the integration of TVET into the education system is a commendable effort to prepare Malaysia’s youth for the challenges of the future. “I believe the integration of TVET is a pivotal step in equipping our youth with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape,” she added.
“By introducing practical learning, we are fostering adaptability and a strong foundation for future growth.
“We are committed to collaborating with industries and providing hands-on experiences that align with real-world needs.
Nur Anira says the integration of TVET into the education system is a commendable effort to prepare Malaysia’s youth for the challenges of the future.
“TVET is not merely about technical training; it is about empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions to Malaysia’s sustainable development.”
TVET also plays a pivotal role in promoting inclusiveness, offering accessible education to students from rural and underserved communities.
Many graduates are venturing into entrepreneurship, launching businesses in fields such as culinary arts and sustainable engineering.
These ventures not only create employment opportunities but also inject innovation into Malaysia’s economy.
Beyond economic benefits, TVET supports Malaysia’s shift towards sustainability, with graduates contributing to green initiatives and renewable energy advancements.
As a result, TVET is central to building a resilient workforce and a sustainable future.
To ensure success, a multi-stakeholder approach is vital.
The government continues to invest in infrastructure and policy support, while industries are encouraged to provide practical training and job placements.
Parents and educators are also urged to promote TVET as a viable and prestigious career pathway.
By embracing TVET, Malaysia is not only addressing the challenges of unemployment and economic inequality but also positioning itself as a global leader in skilled labour development.
With these initiatives, the nation is well on its way to building a future-ready workforce and achieving its vision of inclusive, sustainable growth.
