PUTRAJAYA: The government assured that no applications to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions will be rejected with the introduction of the new admission system, UP_TVET.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said there was a threefold increase between October 30 last year until the last intake at TVET institutions in January this year.
Zahid said by the July intake this year, applications to TVET institutions are expected to reach approximately 100,000.
"Based on the early trend, we anticipate receiving more than 100,000 applications in the July intake, which began on March 25.
"So, I have instructed the (TVET) secretariat to ensure that no one is 'left disappointed' in securing a place to study.
"Our TVET system will accept all Malaysian citizens, even if they do not have academic certificates such as Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or others," he said in his speech at the launching of the UP_TVET system at Perdana Putra today.
Zahid said the government also focuses on high-level programmes aimed at meeting industry demands to enhance graduates' marketability.
"We are currently prioritising high-level TVET programmes, including courses in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics, electric vehicles, and other courses relevant to current industry demands."
The new admission system, UP_TVET, was developed by the Human Resources Ministry to streamline all applications for entry into TVET institutions across 12 ministries and private agencies nationwide through a single channel.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this new system will help reduce confusion with the various application channels for TVET courses under different agencies.
"This new system offers two categories of applications, the main intake, which occurs twice a year (January and July), and the Year-Round intake.
"The flexible UP_TVET single-channel system, which accommodates various entry requirements, is an initiative to expand opportunities for Malaysians to join TVET programmes.
"One feature of this new system is that institutions will offer courses to candidates, and candidates will have the opportunity to receive more than one offer. Ultimately, candidates can choose to accept only one offer."
He said the new admission system is expected to become the main gateway to TVET learning and training opportunities in engineering, construction, hospitality, and many more fields.
"With this facility, the government hopes more individuals can access TVET education, build careers, and succeed in the fields they are passionate about."