Malaysia secures 2,500 TVET placements in China for 2025, with 100% graduate employability and new training initiatives worth millions.
SHANGHAI: Malaysia has secured 2,500 new placements for Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes in China for next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the placements at the 2nd Malaysia-China International Industry-TVET Education Cooperation Forum.
He revealed that last year’s initial 2,500 placements increased to 5,125 due to programme success.
“This year, we also expect the number to increase to as many as 5,000,” he told reporters.
The short-term courses last between one and six months at leading Chinese institutions and industries.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, confirmed a 100% employability rate for Malaysian TVET graduates trained in China.
Chinese companies investing in Malaysia have committed to hiring these China-trained graduates.
Data shows 54.7% of Malaysian school leavers have shown strong interest in pursuing TVET fields.
“This development will also help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign workers,” he said.
He believes Malaysia can minimise this dependence within 15 years at the latest.
At the event, Ahmad Zahid launched the Guangqi Institute as a joint training hub for semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors.
The institute will train 500 participants through programmes worth RM10 million.
He welcomed the SIYUAN Skill Advancement and Employment Programme involving 2,500 Malaysian youths.
The RM12.5 million “Train and Place” programme covers transit rail, e-commerce and logistics, and cybersecurity.
Participants will have job placement opportunities with Chinese companies operating in Malaysia.
The Malaysia-China TVET Industry-Education Alliance was also launched to strengthen cooperation.
This initiative features RM10 million in co-funding for training equipment involving 15 Chinese TVET institutions.
Participating companies include China Railway, SF Express, Hangzhou Anheng, Huawei, Chery and Isoftstone.
The National Association of Skilled Workers became the official strategic partner of China’s certification centre.
This collaboration enables dual certification pathways and trainer accreditation by Chinese standards.
The target for 2026 is to produce 2,000 skilled Malaysians with Chinese professional certification.
Both countries agreed to establish the Malaysia-China Satellite Training Programme.
This involves 10 Chinese and three Malaysian institutions implementing dual-campus learning.
Students will study theory in Malaysia and receive practical training in China.
Training fields include electric vehicles, mechatronics, artificial intelligence and e-commerce.
A China TVET Exhibition will be held during Malaysia’s National TVET Day 2026 celebrations.
The event will serve as a platform for knowledge and technology exchange between both countries.
“Hopefully, these efforts will ensure that all Malaysia-China initiatives continue,” Ahmad Zahid said. – Bernama
