PUTRAJAYA: The government needs to develop policies to encourage industrial involvement in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme ecosystem.
At the wrapping-up session of the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024, Datuk Shamsuddin Amran, the group chief operations officer of Bermaz Auto Bhd and chair of the congress' TVET cluster, emphasised the need for enacting acts related to the enforcement of qualification requirements across all fields of work.
He also called for the appointment of neutral enforcers to monitor the TVET programme.
"Our industry stakeholders cannot assert themselves as industry representatives. The recognition of TVET products needs to be re-evaluated or reconsidered to align with academic advancement.
"The salary act, if it can be revised, I believe this matter can be addressed effectively. The recognition of these TVET products should align with academic qualifications," he said.
As such, he said, the establishment of a specialised ministry overseeing the field of TVET is among the proposals put forward for the government's long-term strategic action to enhance the potential of the country's TVET sector.
"Establishment of such a ministry would enable the coordination and monitoring of all existing TVET institutions in cooperation with the industry.
"The proposed establishment needs to be implemented between 2030 and 2035, aiming to streamline policy enforcement and strengthen TVET governance for greater sustainability.
"To realise this establishment, a review of existing acts is necessary to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive legal framework."
Movement (PPTN) chairman Mohamad Yaacob was reported saying to date, 12 ministries and agencies are overseeing TVET related institutes nationwide, but noted that their training programmes are based on the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM), which are recognised by industry players in the country.
The Department of Skills Development under the Human Resource Ministry is responsible for the development of training syllabus and modules known as the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS).
The Malaysian Skills Certification System, which conforms to NOSS was formulated from inputs of industry players and the relevant agencies, which means that the certificates issued under SPKM have met the industry needs, Yaacob said.
When asked by the session's moderator, Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, whether the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia should be the minimum requirement, Shamsuddin proposed that it should be unnecessary.
"I feel like what we understand is in advanced countries like Germany, Japan, and Korea, skills are something very important.
"In my opinion, they prioritise academic and academic advancements for tasks, where we should as well," Shamsuddin said.