RM8 billion TVET Funding Aimed at Boosting Skills and Social Mobility

In the latest budget, the government set aside RM8 billion to expand technical and vocational education and training across ministries. The funding targets two groups: tahfiz students, who will gain access to community-college courses, and other-rank personnel of the Malaysian Armed Forces who have completed service, with training delivered via institutions like the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology and the Malaysian Maritime Academy.

Associate Professor Dr Yasir Mohd Mustafah, a mechatronics lecturer at International Islamic University Malaysia, described the allocation as a progressive step that could improve employability and social mobility if effectively utilised. He called for the introduction of performance indicators focused on outcomes such as job placements rather than merely the number of sessions. The budget also includes RM3 billion for the Human Resource Development Corporation to provide three million training opportunities, including continuous professional development for professionals. Monitoring mechanisms were highlighted as essential to ensure the investment translates into tangible economic benefits.