KUALA LUMPUR - Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is now playing a central role in transforming Malaysia’s workforce, says Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

He said the government is repositioning TVET as the main pillar of the country’s human capital development strategy.

“Technical and vocational education and training is no longer a second option nor an alternative path.

“It is the main pillar of the country’s strategy for the development of workforce and economic resources,” he said at the 5-Star TVET Institute Awards, last Wednesday.

Drawing from his own experience, Ramanan said starting salaries in skilled sectors have increased significantly over the years.

“When I graduated with an engineering degree in the early 2000s, my starting salary was RM1,980.

Today, someone with the right skills in certain TVET sectors can start at RM16,000,” Ramanan said.

He said the Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) has recorded a 95.5% graduate employability rate and a 97.2% employer satisfaction rate, making it a strong example of a successful TVET institution.

Ramanan said the government continues to invest heavily in TVET, including RM100 million recently announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for high-skilled training programmes.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, he said 1,720 programmes across 597 TVET institutions were assessed, with up to 98% achieving effective programme status, surpassing the 70% I'm tnational target.

He stressed the need to keep pace with rapid technological changes, adding that basic digital literacy is no longer sufficient.

The minister encouraged Malaysians to explore emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), noting that free AI training programmes will benefit 22,000 participants nationwide.

“Go for TVET. It is about making ourselves better for tomorrow, better jobs, better income and better quality of life.

“The future of the country depends on the quality of the workforce we build today,” he said.