Zahid: TVET no longer last resort for higher education

KUALA LUMPUR: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer considered a last resort in pursuing education.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was reflected in the rising number of applicants each year and the existence of an accredited masters and doctorate programme for professional practice.

“Today, Alhamdulillah, TVET has come a long way in dispelling the outdated perception that it is a last resort in pursuing education.

“In the context of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency’s (MQA) regulatory oversight, for the first time, Malaysia has introduced high-level TVET — namely, TVET at the masters and doctorate levels.

“I would like to express my gratitude to MQA for approving the Master of Professional Practice and the Doctor of Professional Practice at Malaysian Skill Certificate (SKM) levels seven and eight.

“This reflects MQA’s highly contemporary mindset, actions, and practices — and it is precisely why I felt it was essential to attend tonight’s event,” he said in his speech at the MQA awards.

Zahid said TVET graduates can now progress to the highest academic levels without structural barriers.

“We are determined to place TVET on equal footing with other academic fields, without compromising quality or standards, with the aim of producing graduates sought after across all industries, both locally and internationally,” he said.

Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister said that the government was in the midst of amending the National Skills Development Act 2006 to provide a pathway for TVET graduates to pursue acadmic pathways.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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