GEORGE TOWN: The government is looking beyond universities to meet the demand of industries for talent, says a minister.
The fact is, the Higher Education Ministry is exploring wider and more flexible approaches, including in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said the ministry does not want to use the excuse of the low interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) any more.
"TVET is not a low-level technical programme. We want to raise its standard, to include it as an important technical field.
"So we are opening up more space for students from streams such as the humanities and arts, who have good results in science and mathematics. We are providing them this opportunity through polytechnics, where we introduced a basic programme.
"The first group is expected to graduate this year."
Zambry also said there is no truth to claims that student numbers in university engineering couses have dropped due to the low take-up of STEM subjects.
He was speaking to reporters after a dialogue between the ministry and electrical and electronic industry players here.
Zambry said he met with captains of industry to map out programmes that meet their needs.
"The session was very active and we will take into account the views as the government focuses on the fields often stressed by the prime minister.
"With increasing investments in the E&E sector, there is a need for a skilled workforce."