IPOH: The Perak government continues to drive efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a key component in its development agenda, while fostering technology and innovation by 2025.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said TVET is not merely about producing skilled workers — it serves as a platform to develop innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs who drive technological and economic change.
"Based on this belief, the state government is determined to make the state a National TVET Corridor.
"With a comprehensive technical education ecosystem, Perak is advancing towards becoming a centre of excellence for TVET, not only for local needs, but also as a national reference."
Saarani said this during the Executive Talk and 2025 New Year Address with Perak civil servants at Casuarina@Meru Hotel today.
Several high-impact projects currently underway, such as the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) and Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP), provide essential platforms for Perak's TVET graduates to showcase their skills and capabilities.
To support this agenda, Saarani said the state government will implement the TVET 2025 Roadshow Programme, aimed at raising awareness among the younger generation that TVET is not a second-class option, but a primary pathway to a bright future.
"We want to eliminate the stigma that TVET is inferior to academic tracks. On the contrary, it is a bridge that connects skilled labour with technological advancement."
Saarani said the state government is also focusing on fostering technology and innovation across various sectors.
He said the Perak Digital Transformation has accelerated access to technology for the people, with mobile Internet coverage now reaching 99.6 per cent and more than 700,000 premises equipped with fibre optics.
"Technology is not just a tool, but also a driver of change. We want this to be fully utilised by all layers of society, including in rural areas.
"Perak should be known as a state that is not only beautiful, but also advanced in innovation and technological sophistication."
He added that the state government encourages cooperation between the public and private sectors to leverage technology to improve service quality as well as for local entrepreneurs to seize opportunities in the digital economy.