SUNGAI BESAR, Oct 25 (Bernama) –The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) has introduced three strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives to improve graduate employability, develop rural entrepreneurs and equip young people with skills in emerging technologies.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the initiatives would be implemented in phases through the KKDW TVET Premium Career Agreement, TVET Jana Desa and TVET@KKDW Smart and Green Workshops.
He said the KKDW TVET Premium Career Agreement would require employers to agree on trainees’ competencies, placement requirements and salary packages before recruitment.
“I want this collaboration to result in good job matches and commensurate starting salaries,” he said when officiating the Expo TVET@KKDW 2026 at Stadium Sungai Besar today.
Also present was KKDW Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.
Ahmad Zahid said TVET Jana Desa aimed to help graduates establish technical businesses and create employment opportunities in their respective districts.
The third initiative, TVET@KKDW Smart and Green Workshops, would bring together trainees, instructors and industry players to develop technological solutions to improve productivity and reduce operating costs for rural entrepreneurs.
He said the initiatives complemented Budget 2027 measures to place 1,000 Bumiputera youths from rural areas in high-growth sectors through the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
The government also plans to utilise electrical wiring skills from GiatMARA to repair wiring in 20,000 homes belonging to families in need.
Ahmad Zahid urged KKDW, its implementing agencies and industry partners to identify the relevant industries, funding requirements and measurable targets, while ensuring implementation was monitored and benefits reached the intended recipients.
He also stressed the need for TVET institutions to prepare for emerging technologies, including quantum technology, while strengthening their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI).
He said he had proposed establishing a Department of Quantum Technology at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), with the potential for it to be developed into a faculty.
Ahmad Zahid added that the number of TVET institutions nationwide had increased from 1,398 to 1,996, mainly due to the expansion of private institutions, according to a report he presented to the Cabinet last week.
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