PUTRAJAYA – The Human Resources Ministry has proposed that the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM) be used as the country’s single certification for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Minister V. Sivakumar said the move was necessary due to confusion in the implementation of TVET in Malaysia, which was caused by the existence of various TVET certifications accredited by two regulatory agencies, namely the Skills Development Department and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
In this regard, he said it is appropriate that the SPKM, which is based on the National Occupational Skills Standard under the regulation of the Skills Development Department, is designated as the single national certification for all level one to five TVET programmes in the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF).
“The standardisation of level one to five TVET programmes, based on SPKM in MQF, will be a new platform in empowering the country’s TVET,” he said when speaking at the ministry’s New Year 2023 mandate assembly, here today.
In the meantime, Sivakumar said that the Manpower Department needs to re-evaluate the courses offered so that they meet current industry needs, ensuring that mismatches would not occur.
“The courses offered need to be improved with digitalisation, automation, and other elements which are in line with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
Yesterday, Sivakumar, in a statement, said that a decision was made in a cabinet meeting on December 7 to transfer the function of the secretariat of the National TVET Council to the Human Resources Ministry. It was previously placed under the Higher Education Ministry.
Following the cabinet’s decision, Sivakumar said his ministry will use the opportunity to improve and dignify the image of TVET in the country.
“The Human Resources Ministry needs to lead the initiative to give a new image to TVET (positive image) so that TVET is no longer seen as a second choice or an alternative choice,” he said.
At the ceremony today, Sivakumar also announced his ministry’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025, which includes five strategic cores; skilled human capital empowerment, labour market strengthening, health and social welfare rights, strengthening law enforcement and compliance, and strengthening and empowering governance. – Bernama, January 6, 2023
