By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH, Oct 11 – The government has increased its allocation for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to RM7.9 billion under Budget 2026, up from RM7.5 billion this year, to strengthen the development of a highly skilled workforce as the foundation of Malaysia’s economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the increased allocation reflects the government’s strong commitment to positioning TVET as a key driver of national development, aligning with Malaysia’s shift towards a skills- and innovation-based economy.
“TVET is no longer a second option but a strategic pathway on par with university education. The Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) now extends up to Level 8, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, master’s, and PhD,” he said when officiating the TVET@KKDW 2025 Expo at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) today.
Of the total allocation, RM3 billion will be channelled to the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to support training in high-technology, digital, and energy transition sectors. Another RM1.3 billion is allocated to the Education Ministry to sponsor more than 79,000 trainees nationwide, while RM650 million is earmarked for the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) to expand industry-based training.
Meanwhile, the National TVET Council will receive RM45 million to implement the IPT@Komuniti programme benefiting 10,000 tahfiz and pondok students through digital and artificial intelligence (AI) training. The Department of Skills Development (JPK) is also allocated RM34 million to enhance instructor training.
The government has also approved the construction of a new Vocational College in Sabah, the upgrading of ADTEC Shah Alam’s training hangar, and the establishment of a TVET Marine Teaching Shipyard complex at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
Ahmad Zahid said the investments will strengthen the inclusiveness and responsiveness of Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem to meet current industry demands, noting that TVET graduates now enjoy a 95.1% employability rate.
The three-day TVET@KKDW 2025 Expo, themed “The Future of TVET: Skilled, Innovative, and High-Tech”, brings together eight key agencies and 14 training institutions under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), including MARA, GIATMARA, KEMAS, RISDA, PERDA, KEDA, KETENGAH, and FELCRA.
