INDUSTRY-DRIVEN TVET KEY TO DEVELOPING HIGHLY SKILLED AUTOMOTIVE WORKFORCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Industry-focused Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is seen as crucial for developing a skilled, relevant and competitive local workforce for Malaysia’s automotive sector.

MAG Auto Garage Services Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Azlina Ahmad said the automotive industry ecosystem, particularly the after-sales sector, is rapidly changing with the rise of digital technology, electronic systems and modern vehicle software.

She said workshops now need technicians who can not only repair vehicles manually, but also analyse diagnostic data and understand increasingly complex electronic systems.

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“In the next five to 10 years, the industry can no longer rely just on traditional skills. TVET needs to focus on hands-on training, analytical thinking and lifelong learning.

“TVET programmes run alongside the industry can produce technicians who are ready to work, not just pass exams. This is vital to keep the local workforce relevant as vehicle technology evolves,” she told Bernama.

Azlina said the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) supports an industry focus on developing high-value technicians and on adopting modern technology, noting that the plan is a golden opportunity to transform the automotive after-sales sector into a professional, competitive and high-impact industry.

She said workplace-based TVET also helps reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign labour, while fostering loyalty and long-term stability among the local workforce.

“By exposing trainees to the latest industry equipment and strict standard operating procedures, their readiness can be enhanced before entering the real workforce,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bermaz Auto Bhd’s after-sales training manager, Md Parizal Jamian, said some TVET graduates have a solid foundation but still need improvement in industry exposure and professional communication skills.

He emphasised that stronger industry-TVET collaboration is needed to keep training aligned with advanced technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Md Parizal said NIMP 2030 is expected to drive growth in the manufacturing sector, aiming to create 3.3 million high-skilled jobs and a significant rise in median wages.

“The plan targets 21 key sub-sectors, including EVs, to drive innovation and shift the industry from low-skilled work to a high-value, globally competitive sector,” he said.

He said active industry involvement in curriculum development and hands-on training is crucial to bridging the gap between academic training and real-world job requirements.

“TVET should not be viewed merely as an alternative route. It needs to be strengthened as the main pathway to produce a highly skilled workforce that can drive the transformation of Malaysia’s automotive industry,” he said.

-- BERNAMA