SHAH ALAM: Youths from B40 families have been given the opportunity to pursue fully-paid technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Monday (June 20) that the government has allocated RM36.41mil to train the first batch of 1,000 B40 TVET students.

       "I am certain this programme will offer more opportunities for the Malaysian Family, especially those from the B40 category, who will get access to higher-level education to build careers in TVET," he said.

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       The Prime Minister also said when launching National TVET Week 2022 at Poloteknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah here, that the government had various programmes to provide youths with a wider range of opportunities, including education sponsorship.

       "Several education sponsorship strategies have been implemented such as study loans, convertible loans, sponsorships, scholarships and financial aid," he added.

       According to Ismail Sabri, the government's commitment to TVET was demonstrated by 80% of providers offering the courses for free, with the cost borne by Putrajaya.

       "From 2019 up to last year, 171,412 TVET programmes have been offered at diploma and undergraduate levels," he said.

       Public awareness of jobs in the TVET sector which require specific skills and offer high income have also increased but had yet to reach the targeted level, he added.

       He suggested upgrading TVET branding and reputation in a more specific and holistic manner.

       For this, he said a paradigm shift was needed to improve the perception of TVET with the support of parents, youths and industries.

       "There are many social media platforms that can be used for optimum benefit to promote TVET such as highlighting the success of graduates and alumni," he said.

       Ismail Sabri added that this would in turn make TVET a preferred choice.

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       "I also urge industries to be strategic partners in promoting TVET by highlighting the job opportunities available as well as allowing students to visit their industries," said Ismail Sabri.

       This would increase the pull factor of TVET, and at the same time make it the main conduit in creating highly skilled local talent as in other developed countries.

       Ismail Sabri also proclaimed June 2 as National TVET Day.

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       Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said in her speech earlier that there were 1,295 TVET institutions and providers in Malaysia.

       They comprised 640 public institutions under 11 ministries, 22 state government institutions and 633 private providers.