Building a skilled workforce
Steps to progress: Ahmad Zahid greeting government officials upon arrival in London while High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar (left) looks on.
LONDON: Malaysia is ready to be a global platform for cultivating world-class, industry-ready Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talent, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said while the nation is ready to lead, it can't do it alone.
'We will achieve this through meaningful partnerships with Asean, global allies and Malaysians abroad, who share our vision of building a skilled, competitive and future-ready generation.
'At the recent Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, I had the chance to engage directly with fellow government and corporate leaders.
'The appetite for partnership in talent, technology, and training is real and growing. Everyone is asking – how can we work together? How can we build a shared pipeline of talent for the region?,' he said in his public lecture titled 'Malaysia's TVET Leadership in Asean Building Skills for a Shared Future' at University College London (UCL) yesterday.
'In this global race for relevance, skills are the new currency. And those who invest in practical, adaptable, and high-impact talent will not just survive – they will lead,' he stressed.
For years, TVET was misunderstood – seen as a fallback rather than a path of purpose, Ahmad Zahid said.
'That perception is now shifting, but we must be honest as challenges still remain.
'The lingering stigma that TVET is 'second-tier' continues to affect enrolment decisions. A gap still exists between classroom training and real-world industry demands,' he said.
'I believe these are not just Malaysia's challenges – they are global challenges. But within each of them lies an opportunity. An opportunity to align, to innovate, and to collectively build a TVET ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive and future-ready,' he said.
This month, Malaysia will host the 4th Asean TVET Council Regional Policy Dialogue themed 'TVET for Rural and Regional Advancement,' alongside National TVET Day 2025. Ahmad Zahid said.
'Delegates from Asean, Australia and Germany will explore how TVET can drive inclusive growth, empower youth and uplift rural communities – while showcasing Malaysia's innovation, industry partnerships and national transformation in TVET.
'The message is clear: Malaysia is not just reforming TVET – we are redefining it. TVET is no longer a remedial track for the uncertain.
'It is now the engine of innovation, a strategic pillar of our economy and a gateway for our youth to participate fully in the industries of the future,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is laying the foundation to become Asean's TVET Certification and Excellence Hub, particularly in high-impact sectors like aerospace, green energy and advanced manufacturing.
'However, leadership cannot stand alone. It must be powered by partnership. That is why we are building lasting bridges – with Asean, with the United Kingdom and with each and every Malaysian here today,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid arrived in London on Sunday night for his four-day working visit to Britain, in a move aimed at further strengthening Malaysia-UK bilateral ties.
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