ID :
708270
Mon, 11/10/2025 - 16:09
Auther :
BERNAMA
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org/index.php//node/708270
The shortlink copeid

Amendments To Act 652 And Act 640 Strengthen Skills Ecosystem, Boost Investor Confidence

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Amendments to the National Skills Development Act 2006 (Act 652) and the Skills Development Fund Act 2004 (Act 640) have been described as a strategic step towards strengthening Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem.

National TVET Council (MTVET) member and Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) chairman Manndzri Nasib said the amendments to the two key acts were not merely technical changes, but a comprehensive structural reform of Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem.

“It reflects the government’s commitment to building a skills system that is more open, responsive and industry-driven, which is essential for Malaysia to compete in a technology and talent-based economy,” he said in a statement Monday.

The amendments to both Acts were tabled for the first reading by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim in the Malaysian Parliament Monday.

Manndzri also expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister who is also MTVET chairman, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and the Human Resources Minister, for their courage in bringing the amendments to Parliament.

He said proposals such as recognising training programmes outside the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS), expanding the scope of financing under the Skills Development Fund (PTPK), and introducing the Malaysian Modular Skills Certificate (SKMM) would make TVET more inclusive and aligned with global trends that emphasised flexible skills and lifelong learning.

As MCI chairman, he said the amendments also opened avenues for international collaboration, particularly in training, instructor exchanges and technological investment between Malaysia and partner countries such as China.

“Foreign investors will have greater confidence to invest in Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem when they see the government prioritising clear policies, transparent governance and a solid recognition structure,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Association of Skilled Workers (BELIA MAHIR) president Mohammad Rizan Hassan, in a separate statement, also described the amendments to both acts as a historic step long-awaited by key stakeholders within the TVET ecosystem.

“These amendments are a historic step much anticipated by key players in the TVET ecosystem, particularly skills training institutions, instructors and young people who consider skills as a career pathway.

“BELIA MAHIR views the amendments as a clear signal that the government is serious about strengthening the national skilled workforce development policy with a more inclusive and realistic approach to current industry needs,” he said.

Mohammad Rizan said the amendments to Act 640 would expand financing access to various training programmes recognised by the Department of Skills Development (JPK), accelerating the “TVET for All” agenda championed by the organisation.

“With the spirit of ‘Help youth, help the nation’, BELIA MAHIR is confident that the amendments to these two important Acts will become a key driver of Malaysia’s TVET transformation towards a high-skilled economy by 2030,” he said.

-- BERNAMA

X