PUTRAJAYA, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs skilled talent to support its transition to a high-value economy, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said.
He said the country has several policies and plans to develop highly skilled talent, including the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035, the 13th Malaysia Plan and the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030.
“We want industries to move further up the value chain. We want high-growth sectors to expand. We want quality investments to bring in technology and better jobs.
“However, there can be no economic transformation without talent transformation. We can bring in the best technology and develop the most advanced infrastructure, but ultimately, everything depends on people with the knowledge, skills and values to drive it,” he said.
He said this in a speech delivered by Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim at the Industry Nexus (INDEX) 2026: TVET Collaboration Hub programme here today.
Zambry said INDEX is more than a platform that brings institutions and industry together; it connects industry needs with the strengths of higher education.
“We want this relationship to move beyond mere engagement towards creating things together. Industry should not simply be at the end of the chain as a recipient of graduates, but work with institutions to identify needs, develop competencies, bring in technology and provide opportunities for real-world experience.
“In other words, we need to move from relationships to collaboration, and from collaboration to value creation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zambry said polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) must keep strengthening high-impact programmes with clear links to growth sectors and industry needs.
“The principle is simple. Do not develop programmes first and then ask industry whether it needs graduates. Identify industry needs first, then develop the programmes and talent together.
“This approach is important in addressing the skills mismatch. We cannot be satisfied when graduates secure jobs,” he said.
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