KUALA LUMPUR: The expansion of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme centres into teaching factories is expected to enhance industry engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this initiative embodies an industry-based training model, positioning TVET institutions as hubs for teaching and learning.
He said it facilitates direct access for students to real industry training, thereby integrating them into industrial environments.
"The government is continuously promoting industry participation in developing curricula for new TVET programmes and creating fresh professional career pathways for graduates.
"Through industry engagement, the curriculum is being revamped to reflect the Industrial Revolution 4.0, integrating IoT, AI, big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies to meet market demands.
"The government staunchly supports the concept of TVET as teaching factories, an innovative model emphasising industry-based education and training.
"Presently, 30 teaching factories established at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) across all 12 campuses, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration with international companies," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in response to Sheikh Mohmed Puzi Sheikh Ali (BN - Pekan), who inquired about the government's initiatives and strategies to bolster the trajectory of TVET in cultivating a substantial pool of professionals to meet the demands of the nation's industries.
Zahid also said the government has forged over 238 partnerships with private firms, government-linked entities, and GLICs.
"Collaborations with the Federation of Manufacturers Malaysia and TVET institutions have engaged over 10,000 collaboration programmes to provide students with valuable industry exposure."
He added that through the National TVET Council, the government is always committed to promoting TVET programmes among the public.
This commitment is evident through initiatives such as premium wage programmes for TVET graduates and collaborations with industrial partners.
"We highly recommend TVET graduates for monthly premium salaries of RM4,000 and above. The Malaysian Technical University Network also offers education to graduates without requiring SPM qualifications.
"We also collaborate with major industries such as multinational corporations by establishing on-the-job training, where 60 percent of the training occurs in the industry and only 40 percent in classrooms."