SHAH ALAM: More opportunities will be provided for students from the Indian community under high-skill technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes nationwide, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this would be able to give members of the community the chance to elevate themselves educationally and economically.
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"The best method to escape poverty is through education. This is the vertical social mobility that needs to be expedited.
"With that, I have told MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran that as National TVET Council chairman, I will give more attention and opportunities to Indian students," he said during the Unity Ponggal celebration at the IRDKL Conference Hall here on Sunday (Jan 21).
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Ahmad Zahid also said Indian students will be offered high-skill TVET courses focusing on technological advancements.
"We will not only offer normal TVET courses but also those that involve high technology such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
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"This is to ensure that once they graduate, they will be able to participate in these sectors," added Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Ahmad Zahid said that with the proper social mobility through education, the Indian community would be able to overcome poverty.
During the celebration, he also delivered over 200 tablets to public university students to support their education.
Also present at the event were Vigneswaran, Deputy Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasamy and other Indian community leaders.