A case for apprenticeships

DESPITE our electrical and electronics (E&E) sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy (5.8% of GDP in 2023), its growth is hampered by a dwindling interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, which could lead to a huge skills gap that would also affect emerging fields like AI and renewable energy.

The ambitious target of boosting GDP growth and export earnings from the E&E sector to RM120bil and RM495bil respectively by 2025 hinges on a robust supply of skilled workers. However, outdated curricula, underfunded research and limited practical training in Malaysian universities are hindering the production of quality graduates that industries desperately need.