Zahid, who is also the national TVET council chairman, said this increase demonstrates that the perception and assumption TVET is for individuals who have dropped out academically is not true but instead, it can become a primary career pathway for youths.

He said the government has made significant investments in providing various infrastructure and facilities to ensure the realisation of the TVET agenda.

“There are now a total of 1,345 public and private TVET institutions operating nationwide.

“Youths keen on gaining technical skills and who have completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, have the opportunity to join TVET programmes at the certificate, diploma and higher levels,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters during a youth career and sports carnival at SK Sultan Ibrahim 1, here.

“TVET should be considered as an educational pathway that can be chosen by anyone based on their interests and inclinations,” he said.

He noted that the employment rate for TVET graduates is high, reaching 94.5%, as most employers aim to reduce dependence on foreign workers, especially in the dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) sectors.

On applications from the Orang Asli community for TVET programmes, Zahid said the government hopes to place 400 Orang Asli at TVET centres nationwide this year.

“Last year, around 350 Orang Asli joined TVET progammes, indicating that this community is proactive in participating in TVET. I will establish a special entry scheme for Orang Asli in TVET,” he said.

On May 30, Zahid was reported to have said that 220 companies in China have offered 5,125 places for Malaysian students to undergo TVET-related training for short, medium, and long terms. He added that it will be a game changer in boosting the TVET industry in Malaysia.