BMMalaysia has put technical and vocational education at the centre of its Budget 2027. According to reporting by Malay Mail, the budget sets aside RM8 billion across ministries for TVET, with the aim of improving young people’s skills and employability.
The money is spread across several channels. HRD Corp receives RM3 billion to offer three million skills training opportunities, including continuing professional development. The Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) receives RM500 million to fund trainees at registered public and private skills institutions. Other programmes include training for 10,000 youths in robotics and digital technology through CIDB, and an Advanced Automotive Technology programme at ADTEC JTM. The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) allocation rises to RM150 million, with a focus on industrial automation, technology and aircraft maintenance.
A second pillar is the BAKAT Madani programme, which targets 30,000 new job opportunities in 2027, including through private-sector participation. Companies that run BAKAT Madani training are to receive tax deductions for programmes from 29 June 2026 to 31 December 2030. The budget also lifts the minimum wage to RM2,000, scheduled to take effect in June 2027.
Industry voices say the focus on aviation and automotive is well placed. In a Bernama Radio discussion reported by The Star, Amran Mohd Tomin of Malaysia Aviation Group noted that its training arm, MAB Academy, offers aircraft maintenance programmes for SPM graduates and that demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul roles is high. Mohd Rizal Jailan of Naza Group’s automotive division said the funding can strengthen the wider automotive ecosystem, including component suppliers and aftersales services, and highlighted the growing importance of AI and new energy technology in vehicles. Both called for continued dialogue between industry and TVET practitioners, and for banks to help finance costly high-level skills training.
For anyone following TVET Malaysia China developments, the budget is a useful backdrop. As Malaysia scales up training capacity and ties it more closely to industries such as automotive, aviation, robotics and digital technology, there is more room for Malaysia-China TVET cooperation, whether through teacher exchange, curriculum benchmarking, industry-linked training or joint certification. China has a long track record in vocational education, and Malaysia’s expanding programmes could benefit from shared experience. This is the kind of practical link that Malaysia-China education cooperation can build on.
The real test will be delivery. As one commentator told Bernama, funding must translate into skills that bring sustainable income. Clear career paths, industry recognition and good coordination across agencies will decide whether this budget produces the skilled workforce Malaysia needs.
Sources: Malay Mail (9 October 2026); The Star/Bernama (16 October 2026); Malay Mail/Bernama (24 October 2026).
中文摘要
马来西亚2027年财政预算案拨出80亿令吉强化技职教育（TVET），其中人力资源发展基金获30亿令吉，技能发展基金公司获5亿令吉，并推出“才华Madani”计划，目标在2027年创造3万个优质职位。航空与汽车业界认为拨款将有助培养面向未来的技术人才。随着大马扩大技职培训规模，马中技职教育合作在师资交流、课程对接和产业联合培训等方面有更大空间。马中文化教育协会将持续关注马中教育合作的发展。
About MCCEA: Malaysia-China Culture and Education Association (MCCEA), Registration No. PPM-034-10-08072025, is dedicated to advancing cooperation between Malaysia and China in culture, education and TVET, with ASEAN and the international community in view. Website: www.mccea.org.my
