PTPK FINANCING EXPANDED TO COVER INTERNATIONAL COURSES – SIM

BANGI, Dec 8 (Bernama) – Financing under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) has now been expanded to cover international courses as well as programmes run by industry regulators, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He said the move is a strategic shift to ensure Malaysia’s workforce acquires skills that meet global standards and fulfil the real needs of the rapidly growing industrial and technical sectors.

“This expansion proves that the government is no longer limiting TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) financing to traditional courses, but is instead opening access to high-impact critical fields shaped by technological development and industry demand.

“We have also further broadened the funding and financing for skills development through PTPK, so that it is not limited only to existing courses by conventional training providers.

“But also other courses, not only international ones, but those offered by regulators such as the Energy Commission and so on,” he told the media at the WorldSkills Malaysia 2025 Wira Awards here today.

Also present were Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan.

Sim said the expansion is important as many sectors require regulator-issued certificates before skilled workers are allowed to operate, making such courses increasingly relevant, valuable and enhancing TVET graduates’ employability.

He said the recognition of regulator courses and international certifications also means that government financing schemes are now more responsive to industry needs, including the demand for skilled workers capable of keeping up with new technological changes.

“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.

Sim also said that in efforts to strengthen professionalism and career pathways for skilled workers, the government will introduce the Malaysia Expert Certificate to provide formal recognition for national skills specialists.

“Three new levels — skilled expert, senior skilled expert and skills consultant — will be introduced so that these highly skilled individuals can receive official and valid recognition from the government and industry, and subsequently secure better jobs,” he said.

He said the introduction of the certification will support the development of a TVET ecosystem that not only produces skilled workers but also values local experts capable of leading innovation and training at both national and international levels.

According to him, these reforms are aligned with the government’s mandate to modernise TVET, while ensuring that Malaysia builds a competent, competitive workforce ready to participate in the global market.

“This is part of a comprehensive reform of the national TVET ecosystem that we are implementing, and we want to ensure that every Malaysian has wider, more flexible and relevant training pathways suited to the needs of the times,” he said.

— BERNAMA