13MP talent push crucial for future economy: MEF
MEF welcomed the plan's comprehensive approach to workforce transformation, particularly in the areas of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), lifelong learning and labour market reforms.
Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the plan reflects a critical shift towards employer-led training and upskilling, essential for meeting the demands of digitalisation and industrial transformation.
However, he said practical alignment with industry needs and greater private sector involvement are crucial to ensuring effective policy implementation.
He added that more direct fiscal incentives are needed for companies that upskill in-demand talent, particularly small and medium enterprises and those undergoing digital transformation.
"MEF recommends co-investment models where government matches employer contributions for critical skill areas.
"While MEF commends the centralisation of TVET under a unified framework, industry-led governance and performance monitoring are vital to prevent mismatches," he said.
Syed Hussani added that employers should be involved in curriculum design, certification and placement guarantees.
"Many employers are willing to train but face constraints such as time, costs, productivity trade-offs and regulatory complexity," he said.
Syed Hussain called for a training flexi-hours policy and the recognition of on-the-job training as formal learning pathways under HRD schemes.
While efforts to enhance graduate employability are commendable, he said a significant gap still exists between academic qualifications and real-world job readiness.
"MEF proposes deeper integration between universities and industry through mandatory work-integrated learning programmes," he added.
While the association supports the 13MP's goal of modernising labour data systems, Syed Hussain stressed the need for real-time access to industry-specific employment trends and skills requirements, developed in close collaboration with employers.
He said the five-year national development blueprint presents an ambitious and necessary recalibration of Malaysia's human capital development strategy.
"MEF believes that successful implementation depends heavily on meaningful employer engagement, flexibility in delivery mechanisms and policy coherence across ministries and agencies."
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