PETALING JAYA: Experts welcome the larger allocation for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as it shows the government understands the importance of TVET graduates for all types of industries, be it manufacturing or agriculture.
On the setting aside of RM6.8bil to enable more people to take up TVET courses and further fortify the certification of TVET graduates, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this is in line with increased public-private partnerships, as 61 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between public TVET education institutions and 44 private companies as of Oct 5.
“The government has allocated RM100mil to prepare professional certification for TVET graduates in recognised industries.
“This is to enable cooperation between public TVET institutions and industries,” said Anwar.
He continued, saying that the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) would get a fund of RM1.6bil to enable it to offer 1.7 million opportunities for training.
“HRD Corp would reallocate a special fund using the 15% levy collected for the implementation of the Madani training programme as well as the upskilling of SME entrepreneurs and underprivileged groups such as former inmates, OKUs, senior citizens and pensioners.
“The government allocated RM70mil for the programme of the Academy in Industry to upskill those who are employed up to a period of 18 months.
“An allocation of RM30mil is set aside as an incentive for industries to train local workforces. Industries can offer their expertise as educators and sponsors of innovation.
“The Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) and TVET Training Fund will receive an allocation of RM180mil to enable them to offer education loans to 12,000 trainees currently in the skill certification programmes.
“RM20mil will be specially allocated for trainees in maritime fields, arts in Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara), and training in fields related to maintenance and upgrading of the aerospace sector,” he said.
He added that for tahfiz students in religious schools who are keen to upskill themselves in TVET courses, an allocation of RM17mil will be set aside.
They can do the courses while continuing their religious studies.
“A tax rebate up to RM2,000 for fees for upskilling and self-development will be continued until 2026,” added the Prime Minister.
