Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announces PTPK fund expansion to include international programmes and industry regulator courses, enhancing TVET’s global relevance.
BANGI: Financing under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) has been expanded to cover international courses and programmes run by industry regulators.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said this strategic shift aims to ensure Malaysia’s workforce acquires globally competitive skills that meet the needs of rapidly growing industrial sectors.
“This expansion proves that the government is no longer limiting TVET financing to traditional courses, but is instead opening access to high-impact critical fields shaped by technological development and industry demand,” he said.
He told the media the funding is now not limited to conventional training providers but also includes courses offered by regulators like the Energy Commission.
Sim said this is crucial as many sectors require regulator-issued certificates before skilled workers can operate, making such courses highly relevant and valuable for graduate employability.
The recognition of these courses means government financing is now more responsive to industry needs and the demand for workers who can adapt to new technologies.
“This expansion also allows more youths, workers and new training providers to benefit from upskilling opportunities without financial constraints or overly rigid training boundaries,” he said.
In a separate initiative to strengthen career pathways, the government will introduce the Malaysia Expert Certificate to formally recognise national skills specialists.
Three new levels—skilled expert, senior skilled expert and skills consultant—will be introduced to provide official government and industry recognition.
Sim said this certification supports a TVET ecosystem that values local experts capable of leading innovation and training at national and international levels.
These reforms align with the government’s mandate to modernise TVET and build a competent, competitive workforce ready for the global market.
“This is part of a comprehensive reform of the national TVET ecosystem that we are implementing,” he said.
