KOTA TINGGI: The Higher Education Ministry is considering the introduction of degree programmes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within polytechnics across the country.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this proposal is under consideration for implementation as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The move, he said, would involve the provision of expert manpower and academic staff.
"We are committed to enhancing TVET with regards to the allocation of spaces for skilling, reskilling, and upskilling. This is crucial in our efforts to provide and strengthen lifelong learning opportunities.
"TVET graduates have demonstrated strong marketability, outperforming graduates from academic courses with both exceeding a 90 per cent rate.
"Our focus is on aligning learning with workforce needs and achieving better salaries," he added.
He told reporters this after attending the ministry's 'Program Kekal Sihat KPT Prihatin Madani' in Tanjung Sedili here today.
He reiterated the ministry's determination to expand courses to attract more students to take up TVET.
"I have stated that in 13MP in particular, I want to see an expansion in opening of branch campuses especially for the Malaysian Technical University (MTUN) network, and we will further strengthen existing polytechnics," he said.
The MTUN network now comprises Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, and Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. --BERNAMA