RM8bil TVET allocation can improve social mobility, says academic

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM8 billion allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across ministries under the 2027 Budget is a highly progressive move, said Associate Professor Dr Yasir Mohd Mustafah.

He said the allocation combined skills development with direct social benefits, particularly for tahfiz students and other-rank personnel of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) who had completed their service, in efforts to boost the TVET industry and the country's economic growth.

The focus on both groups also had the potential to expand workforce employability and improve social mobility, provided they made the most of the opportunities after completing their training or courses, said Yasir, a Mechatronics Engineering lecturer from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

"Tahfiz students do not only learn the Quran, but will also be given the option to venture into TVET and contribute to the country in this field.

"The same applies to MAF personnel. After taking early retirement, some of them are driving taxis or working for Grab. With the opportunities being offered to them, they can further hone their existing skills," he told Bernama.

The RM8 billion allocation covers, among other things, short courses for tahfiz students at Community Colleges as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and higher education.

Other-rank MAF personnel who have completed their service will also receive skills training through collaborations with, among others, the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology and the Malaysian Maritime Academy.

However, Yasir said the government should monitor the parties receiving the allocation or introduce key performance indicators (KPIs) for them to ensure that the initiative delivered a meaningful impact on the country.

"I hope the training provided will not merely be aimed at meeting the set KPI for the number of training sessions. The government should establish KPIs based on outcomes, such as job placements and other relevant measures," he said.

When tabling the 2027 Budget in Parliament last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an RM8 billion cross-ministerial allocation for TVET to enhance skills and employability among young people.

The allocation includes RM3 billion in funding for the Human Resource Development Corporation, which will provide three million skills training opportunities, including continuous professional development for professionals. — BERNAMA