Latest news with #VocationalEducation
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Why is World Youth Skills Day 2025 celebrated on July 15?
World Youth Skills Day 2025: World Youth Skills Day is observed on July 15 every year to celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. It was in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day. The theme for World Youth Skills Day this year is 'Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills'. According to a statement on the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping economies with AI, calling for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to evolve accordingly to prepare youth with future-ready skills. While AI is transforming how we live, learn, and work, the statement also warns of serious risks if its implementation is not equitable. – Around 450 million young people, or 7 out of 10, remain economically disengaged due to a lack of sufficient skills needed to thrive in the labour market. – 86 per cent of students feel unprepared for a workplace shaped by Artificial Intelligence. – In 2022, more than 40 per cent of youth were not engaged in employment, education, or training. – Employment projections showed that while 40.3 per cent of young men were employed, only 27.4 per cent of young women had access to employment opportunities. – In low-income countries, 90 per cent of adolescent girls and young women remain offline. – Even in the wealthiest nations, just 1 in 10 fifteen-year-olds spend more than an hour a week using digital devices for learning. – Globally, only 16 per cent of countries have implemented laws to address cyberbullying in education, with 38 per cent of these laws introduced after the Covid pandemic. World Youth Skills Day is observed to promote dialogue among young people, TVET institutions, businesses, employers' and workers' organisations, policymakers, and development partners. Since its inception in 2014, the day has served as a platform to emphasise the importance of skills development, especially as the world shifts towards a more sustainable model of development.
RNZ News
14-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Government confirms which polytechs to return to regional governance
education about 1 hour ago The government's move to scrap the polytech mega-merger Te Pukenga has taken another big step, with confirmation of which polytechs will return to regional governance. The Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed which polytechs are financially viable to go it alone, and which still need a nudge. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Melissa Chan-Green. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Guardrails and streetlights planned for Jitra road, says Zahid
JERLUN: A proposal to install guardrails and streetlights along Jalan Sungai Korok in Jitra, where a recent tragedy claimed the lives of six family members, will be looked into, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic). The Deputy Prime Minister said he had been briefed by the Public Works Department (JKR) on infrastructure upgrades for the road, which connects Jitra to Jerlun. 'We will discuss with JKR the installation of guardrails along the riverbank. I will look into installing streetlights in the area as well as other poorly lit locations. 'As the chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, I will inform the relevant ministers for immediate action to be taken,' he told reporters after visiting Putri Qisya Nur Izzat Mohamad Azim at Kampung Bohor Karang yesterday. The 12-year-old is the eldest daughter of Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 32, and Nurul Hidayah Khadijah Razman Efendi, 31, who perished along with their four children when their car plunged into Sungai Korok on Saturday. Ahmad Zahid said Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) will support Putri Qisya's education all the way to the university level. 'MRSM (Mara Junior Science College) is ready to accept her next year, and her grandmother has agreed to enrol her. 'All necessary assistance will be provided, and we will do our best to secure her future,' he said. Earlier in Kangar, the Deputy Prime Minister said the proposed University of Kuala Lumpur Asia Sustainable Transportation Institute (UniKL-ASTI) in Lembah Chuping will become a key component in the logistics development ecosystem under the Northern Corridor Economic Region. He said the university campus, to be developed next to the Perlis Inland Port, will position the state as a new strategic logistics hub in the northern region of the country. The campus will offer various high-impact Technical and Vocational Education and Trai-ning (TVET) diploma and degree programmes such as heavy vehicle maintenance technology, lifting equipment management and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) technology. 'The establishment of UniKL-ASTI is a meaningful and strategic move not only for Perlis, but also for the national education and logistics landscape. 'I am confident this industry-orientated approach will not only produce competent TVET graduates ready to enter the job market but also directly contribute to the economic growth of the state and the nation,' he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the UniKL-ASTI, which was officiated by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Bernama reported.
The Star
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Johoreans flock to education fair
From AI and medicine to culinary arts and aeronautics, you'll be spoilt for choice JOHOR BARU: Johoreans are embracing the opportunity to explore top-notch education courses as the Star Education Fair reaches the state for the first time this weekend. Held at the Persada International Convention Centre, the two-day fair has drawn a steady stream of students, parents and working adults keen on exploring academic opportunities. UniKL marketing, student recruitment and administration division assistant manager Mohamad Nor Haida Abd Rahman said the response at the fair has been encouraging, with most visitors enquiring about scholarship opportunities and minimum entry requirements. 'With Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) gaining more national attention in recent years, UniKL has seen a steady increase in applications for such courses. 'This has had a positive impact on our student numbers and reflects growing awareness of the value of hands-on, skills-based education,' he said. He said the university currently offers 146 programmes, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Early birds: Eager visitors standing in line to enter the Star Education Fair held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here.— THOMAS YONG/The Star 'We have a lot of programmes related to mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as IT and business. 'For diploma programmes, the minimum requirement is three credits, while foundation programmes require five credits. 'We also offer scholarships for students applying to our foundation programmes,' he said. Southern University College student recruitment office executive Melissa Ng said most of the enquiries from visitors centred around scholarship opportunities. 'Most of the questions we've received today are about scholarships, course highlights and our campus location. 'We offer up to 100% scholarships, along with financial aid and free accommodation for eligible students,' she said. She added that one of the most popular courses is traditional Chinese medicine. 'What's unique about this course is that students from non-science streams are also eligible to enrol,' she said, adding that the university college will also be having an open day on Sept 13 and 14. Manipal University College Malaysia marketing, sales and enrolment executive Anusia Sammugam said the education fair was a great platform to introduce students to the university's wide range of programmes. 'We offer six courses, including our new programmes in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychology. 'Other programmes are Foundation in Science, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS),' she said. Anusia said the response at the fair has been positive, with most enquiries coming from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, matriculation, A-Level and O-Level students. She added that the university is offering various scholarships, including full and partial tuition fee waivers. 'Some students can receive up to 100% in tuition fee waivers, while others may qualify for 50%, depending on their academic results. 'We encourage students to visit our open day on July 12, and bring their academic results for further assessment,' she added. Come meet us: (from left) Gan, Nur Batriesyia and Mohamad Nor. EduCity International College business development and marketing head Layla Mustaffa said the college offers five diploma programmes and one foundation course, including a diploma in Internet of Things. 'The fair has been a good platform for us to raise awareness about our programmes. 'Most visitors asked about financial aid and course details,' she said, adding that the college is currently offering sponsorships worth up to RM5,000. University of Southampton Malaysia student recruitment manager Allan Gan Chee Haur said interest in computer science-related courses has grown significantly, especially in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, programming and software engineering. 'We've received many enquiries about these programmes at the fair, along with engineering fields like aerospace and mechanical engineering,' he said. He added that the university also attracts students from across the Causeway. At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy assistant director Yong Reei Pyn said the Singapore-based institution offers an 'abundance education' model, which includes career and specialist diplomas, a degree, and two paid internships. 'Our core tracks are culinary arts, pastry and bakery, and food and beverage management, with an option in food entrepreneurship and culinary wellness,' she said. She added that the programme allows students to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Entrepreneurship within two and a half years. 'Among questions that visitors were curious about are their future career prospects, including salaries,' she said, adding that the academy also has a large number of students from Johor. Asia Aeronautical Training Academy sales and marketing assistant manager Nur Batriesyia Azli said the academy offers commercial and private pilot licences, as well as a Qualified Military Pilot (QMP) conversion course. 'We're the first flying school to introduce an Airline Preparation Programme (APP), and we also have a 737 simulator available for training and public bookings,' she said. She said the academy, located at Senai Airport, has drawn strong interest at the fair, especially with its simulator on display. Among the visitors at the fair yesterday were sisters Belinda Goh, 21, and Regina Goh, 19, who came to know about it while having breakfast near the convention centre. 'We saw the banners and signage for the fair and decided to drop by to check things out. 'I've been to other education fairs before, but this is the first time for my sister, and I hope we can learn a thing or two here,' said Belinda. Regina, who is taking the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), said she hopes to find out more about culinary programmes available at the fair. 'I am interested in culinary arts, and I'm looking forward to discovering the local options available here,' she said. Also taking the opportunity to look out for education opportunities was 40-year-old lecturer Assoc Prof Hairul Azmi Mohamed. 'I believe it is important for us to know about the latest technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), so that we can keep up with the fast-changing world. 'I'm here to look out for courses related to technology, which may be helpful for the future of the maritime industry,' said the maritime management and operations lecturer. Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair features 40 institutions occupying over 55 booths, offering a wide range of programmes and consultations. The fair offers various tertiary study options along with financial assistance, such as study loans and scholarships. The two-day fair, which ends today, is open from 11am to 6pm. Among the exhibitors are UniKL, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), University of Southampton Malaysia, Asia Aeronautical Training Academy, Singapore's At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Southern University College, Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC), Educity International College and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed). The Star Education Fair, now in its 38th year, is one of the country's pioneer education exhibitions. It has consistently provided visitors with information on educational programmes ranging from pre-university, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses to professional and vocational training offered by various local and international institutions. For more details on the Star Education Fair, visit or email edufair@
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Move to strengthen TVET enrolment, future workforce
PETALING JAYA: The Government-Industry TVET Coordination Body (GITC) has outlined key priorities for the next two to three years as part of its mission to strengthen Malaysia's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem and future-proof the workforce. Its chairman Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while Malaysia currently records between 250,000 and 300,000 new TVET admissions annually across both public and private higher learning institutions, efforts are under way to boost these numbers further. 'This includes better coordination, more industry sponsorship and stronger job outcomes to attract more students into TVET. 'GITC is focused on aligning TVET programmes with industry needs by co-designing courses and expanding hands-on training through Work-Based Learning and the Dual Training Model nationwide,' he added. Soh said GITC is working with employers and professional bodies to promote skills-based hiring and industry-recognised certifications, ensuring that individuals are recognised for their skills, not just academic results. 'To support job opportunities abroad, GITC is also collaborating with Asean partners and global accreditation bodies to ensure Malaysian TVET graduates can have their skills recognised regionally.' He said digital and emerging technologies are also being integrated into TVET programmes, including artificial intelligence (AI), green tech, electric vehicles and data centre skills, through Centres of Excellence and industry partnerships. Soh said in addressing Malaysia's most critical skills gaps, GITC is prioritising areas such as digital and automation skills particularly in AI, robotics, data analytics and smart manufacturing. He also said Malaysia urgently needs talent in data centres, cloud services and skilled technicians for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, precision tooling and medical devices. 'Soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and adaptability are equally important as these are essential for producing industry-ready graduates who can thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive job market.' Universiti Teknologi Mara Civil Engineering Faculty senior lecturer Dr Nuryantizpura Mohamad Rais said TVET is expected to become a key driver of Malaysia's talent development agenda over the next decade, especially as the country embraces advancements in automation, sustainable infrastructure and transport technology. Nuryantizpura, who is also serving as an industry adviser in railway infrastructure and renewable transport, said Malaysia will require a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable and aligned with industry needs. 'TVET institutions will be instrumental in preparing professionals to meet these demands whether it's operating hydrogen-powered rail systems or supporting large-scale infrastructure initiatives under public-private partnerships. 'Malaysia's progress will rely not only on academic excellence, but on the strength of a skilled, hands-on workforce capable of building, maintaining and innovating. That is the future TVET is preparing us for.' She said while academic degrees remain a preferred choice among many students and families, there has been a slow but steady shift in attitudes as more students are now opting for TVET pathways, particularly in technical and industry-driven sectors. 'TVET is no longer a dead-end track, as graduates today can transition to diploma and degree programmes through structured pathways, especially under the Malaysian Qualifications Framework.' She added that Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning and micro-credentials support flexible, continuous learning that enables TVET graduates to pursue higher qualifications without leaving the workforce. 'Fresh TVET graduates typically earn between RM1,800 and RM2,500 a month, with higher pay in sectors like transport, energy, and engineering especially for those with industry-recognised skills or hands-on experience,' she said.
