BMOn 24 September 2026, graduates from polytechnics and community colleges in the Central Zone gathered at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) for their convocation. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told them that technical and vocational education is no longer a second choice. He described TVET graduates as key drivers of Malaysia’s future industries, in a period shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, semiconductors and renewable energy.
He pointed to three priorities: mastery of AI, data and digital technology; stronger applied innovation together with industry; and wider opportunities for graduates to become entrepreneurs. He also encouraged graduates to become creators and innovators who produce “Made by Malaysian” goods and services.
This message fits a wider push to raise the standing of skills-based learning. Malay Mail reported in May that Malaysia’s TVET graduate employability stood at 95.9 per cent in 2025. That figure is a strong argument that practical training leads to real jobs.
The international side of this agenda is growing too. In May 2026, Zahid said Malaysia and China would co-build future industries through TVET. The Vibes reported a commitment of more than RM500 million to a Malaysia-China Institute focused on electric vehicle training and advanced manufacturing. It is modelled on the German-Malaysian Institute and the Malaysia-Japan Industrial Institute. Zahid noted that the cooperation goes beyond EV assembly to components and production technologies, because industry needs workers who are highly competent in specific fields.
In June, Bernama reported the launch of the Malaysia-China Industry-Education Alliance (MCIEA), with nearly RM30 million in support. It includes about RM18 million in scholarships for 1,000 Malaysian TVET graduates to pursue diploma-level studies in China. It also includes more than RM10 million for 2,000 mobility and upskilling opportunities, and about RM2 million in training equipment from Chinese institutions. The collaboration covers AI, robotics, smart manufacturing, electric vehicles, semiconductors and digital technologies.
For anyone following TVET Malaysia China developments, the pattern is clear. Domestic reform is raising the prestige of technical careers, while Malaysia-China TVET cooperation is opening concrete pathways: scholarships, joint training facilities and shared equipment. These are practical forms of Malaysia-China education cooperation, and they are built on skills that industries in both countries need.
At the Malaysia-China Culture and Education Association (MCCEA), we see this as an encouraging moment. When young Malaysians study and train alongside Chinese industry partners, they gain more than technical know-how. They gain mutual understanding, which is the foundation of lasting Malaysia-China relations and, in time, of wider ASEAN cooperation.
中文摘要
2026年9月24日，副首相扎希在中部区域理工学院和社区学院毕业典礼上表示，技职教育（TVET）已不再是次要选择，毕业生是国家未来产业的重要推动力。马来西亚去年技职毕业生就业率达95.9%。今年5月，马中两国宣布投入逾5亿令吉建设马中学院，聚焦电动车培训与先进制造；6月又启动马中产教联盟（MCIEA），提供约3000万令吉支持，包括为1000名马来西亚技职毕业生提供赴华深造奖学金。马中技职教育合作正从政策走向落地，也为马中教育与马中文化交流带来新的机会。
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
