Malaysia Employers Federation supports 13MP, calls for industry collaboration
MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the five-year plan's success hinges on cooperation among government agencies, Parliament, the private sector, and civil society to ensure policies deliver people-centric outcomes.
He urged all Malaysians and key stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and support the plan's implementation as it undergoes parliamentary review.
"As Malaysia positions itself for high-income and innovation-driven growth by 2030, the 13MP's integrated approach to human capital transformation is both timely and essential," he said in a statement today.
"MEF supports the government's continued commitment to workforce upskilling, digital capabilities, and labour market reforms. However, MEF also urges practical alignment with industry needs and increased private sector engagement to ensure policy effectiveness."
The 13MP, covering 2026 to 2030, is a key policy document with a budget of RM611 billion. It sets progressive and realistic objectives to spur economic growth, raise household incomes, and ensure inclusive development across all sectors.
Syed Hussain proposed more direct fiscal incentives for companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and those undergoing digital transformation, that invest in upskilling talent in high-demand sectors.
He also recommended co-investment models where the government matches employer contributions for critical skill areas.
While MEF commends the centralisation of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) under a unified framework, Syed Hussain said that industry-led governance and performance monitoring are crucial to prevent mismatches.
"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.
He added that successful implementation relies on meaningful employer participation, flexibility in delivery mechanisms, and coherent policies across ministries and agencies.
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