MELAKA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) and the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) recently collaborated to present a webinar titled "TVET in the 21st Century – A Focus on Innovative Teaching and Competency Indicators."
Held on Oct 30, the virtual event brought together over 200 participants, including educators, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to discuss the evolving landscape of TVET with a focus on cutting-edge teaching practices and essential workforce competencies.
The webinar featured three renowned experts in modern TVET education, namely Professor Dr Ramlee Mustapha from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris; The Hong Kong Institute of Education Chair Professor of Higher Education and Centre for Lifelong Research and Development director Professor Rupert Maclean and Higher Education Ministry TVET Coordination Division deputy director (Strategic) Dr Faudzi Ahmad.
The webinar emphasised inclusive access to TVET, aiming to make technical and vocational education accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds and build a resilient, diverse workforce.
According to a statement from UTeM, speakers advocated for a holistic educational approach, combining cognitive skills (head), technical abilities (hands), and emotional intelligence (heart) to produce graduates who positively impact society.
Discussions also highlighted modern teaching techniques, such as immersive simulations and digital tools, to equip students with future-ready skills for today's job market.
Additionally, speakers underscored the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, industries, and government bodies to keep pace with economic demands, calling for policy reforms to strengthen TVET through updated curricula and reinforced industry partnerships to address evolving labour market needs.
The presence of Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali added a distinctive touch to the event, highlighting the importance of collaboration and ongoing dialogue in advancing transformative education.
The event's discussions showcased how innovation in teaching, coupled with strong industry connections, can effectively bridge skills gaps and prepare students to thrive in a competitive economy.
Each speaker's perspective provided valuable insights into the challenges and future opportunities within the TVET ecosystem.