Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, launched the inaugural TVET Malaysia Expo at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) on 22 March 2018.
The DPM also launched the official TVET Malaysia portal which was designed and developed by Limkokwing University.
In attendance were Founder and President of Limkokwing University and TVET Malaysia advisor, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Limkokwing; Human Resources Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Richard Riot Anak Jaem; Higher Education Minister, YB Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh; and Rural and Regional Development Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
During the launch, the DPM said he would propose that the minimum wage of Malaysian skilled workers be set at RM 3,500 per month.
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He said this was to match the minimum wage of migrant skilled workers in the country as well as to encourage more young Malaysians to take up the Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET).
To achieve the higher minimum wage, he said the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) would be engaged to approve and recognise TVET courses.
Raising the bar of wages
“We must make an effort to raise the minimum wage of Malaysian skilled workers to at least match that offered to skilled workers from aboard,” Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid said.
He also highlighted Limkokwing’s contribution to the development of TVET in Malaysia and looks forward to the continuous support of the University for the betterment of the country in terms of producing a large amount of skilled workers.
Tan Sri the main catalyst
“I have known Tan Sri Limkokwing for over 30 years now, a good friend of mine who is also the main catalyst for TVET Malaysia,” said Dato’ Seri Zahid.
Dato’ Seri Zahid said TVET Malaysia would have been impossible to accomplish without Tan Sri Limkokwing’s vision and leadership in the field of education.
Making a difference
Once TVET Malaysia was fully underway, Dato’ Seri Zahid said there would no longer be any need to import migrant skilled workers into Malaysia.
“It’s very unfair to recruit migrant skilled workers for RM 3,500, and that is why I am offering myself to chair and to coordinate the TVET Malaysia Council because I would like to see the products of TVET Malaysia enjoy a higher minimum wage,” he said.
Dato’ Seri Zahid, who is also Home Minister, emphasised the importance of setting up career development framework for TVET graduates, which is inclusive of opportunities to pursue higher education to give them the advantage of technical experience and the necessary professional qualifications.
A new face by 2030
“In order to portray a high-income developed nation, we need to make up 43% of skilled workers of the workforce by 2030. We are currently at 28%, but with TVET Malaysia, hitting the target is possible,” said Dato’ Seri Zahid.
In his speech, Dato’ Seri Zahid urged the Human Resources Ministry, the main coordinator of TVET Malaysia, to prepare a memorandum for the use of the Cabinet on the setting up of the TVET Malaysia Council.
The two-day expo saw many institutions and industries taking part in the TVET Malaysia technology exhibition, educational and career talks, TVET job fair and a robot competition.
A 19 year-old student from the Industrial Training Institute of Kuala Lumpur (ILPKL), Fatin Nur Aisyah, said the Expo was an eye opener that showed many possibilities in the vocational and technical industry.
“It was a useful experience here today, and I hope the Expo will benefit many people who wish to excel in the vocational and technical areas,” said Fatin.