Malaysia interested in training TVET lecturers in South Korea and Turkey

Malaysia is exploring opportunities to send lecturers and trainers to South Korea and Turkey for technical and vocational education and training.

Malaysia is actively exploring opportunities to send lecturers and trainers to South Korea and Turkiye for the purpose of training trainers in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed that these countries are considered to have the best and most experienced TVET institutions. In addition to Germany and Japan, which Malaysia has already sent trainers to due to their strength in TVET and close ties with Malaysia, Ahmad Zahid believes that South Korea and Turkiye should be further explored as potential partners.

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks during a discourse organized by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) titled "Modal Insan Penggerak Pembangunan Negara: Pandangan daripada Pendekatan Ekonomi Baharu Malaysia" (Human Capital Driving and Nation Development: Views from Malaysia's New Economic Approach). As the National TVET Council Committee chairman, he emphasized the importance of professional training skills in creating new employment opportunities, and the crucial role that training of trainers (ToT) plays in improving the skills of the workforce. He plans to discuss with the Finance Minister, who is also the Prime Minister, the allocation of part of Budget 2024 for this purpose, as well as opening up opportunities for trainers to learn about new industries such as the aerospace industry.

During his speech at the ODI, Ahmad Zahid also discussed the Madani economy, a dynamic and inclusive agenda for Malaysia aimed at restructuring the economy and positioning Malaysia as a leading Asian economy. He highlighted Malaysia's leadership in the halal industry, with global recognition of its halal products, services, and certification standards. The Deputy Prime Minister sees significant opportunities in this industry, including job creation and growth that will benefit human capital. Malaysia's Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 aims to grow the industry to US$106.1 billion by the end of this year.

Ahmad Zahid's visit to the United Kingdom coincides with the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC 2023) organized by the Halal Development Corporation. He is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the conference and hold meetings with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK, Therese Coffey, as well as Muslim members of the UK Parliament.