77 TVET Talents To Undergo 12-month Placement At National Research Institutions

BANGI, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- A total of 77 selected talents in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will undergo a 12-month professional placement at eight national research institutions under the TVET Frontier Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 to enhance their expertise in emerging technologies.

National TVET Council (MTVET) Senior Principal Assistant Secretary Noor Lisa Rahmat said the programme would provide participants with direct exposure to research environments while enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills through real-world projects.

She said the initiative was realised following the vision outlined by the Prime Minister during National TVET Day on June 6, and focused on four strategic areas, namely artificial intelligence (AI), cryptology, energy transition and green transition.

"Throughout the 12-month placement, TVET talents will have the opportunity to participate in research projects, receive guidance from experts, enhance their technical skills and gain professional experience," she said at the talent reception ceremony for the TVET Frontier Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 here today.

Noor Lisa urged the participants to make the most of the opportunity by being proactive, asking questions, and remaining receptive to constructive feedback to ensure that the knowledge and experience gained could contribute to the country’s development.

"The success of this programme is not measured merely by a participant's ability to complete the placement or obtain a certificate, but rather by the contributions they can make to the country after the programme concludes," she added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Nuclear Agency (MNA) Director-General Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zain said the agency had welcomed 15 of the 77 selected TVET talents under the programme.

He said MNA had the necessary expertise and was directly involved in research in three of the programme's focus areas, namely AI, energy transition and green transition, while cryptology was not yet within the agency's current scope of research.

"Participants will be exposed to various research facilities, including laboratories, nuclear reactors and gamma-ray systems. They will also explore the application of AI in nuclear techniques, non-destructive testing, postgraduate-level research at master's and doctoral levels, as well as monsoon forecasting," he said.

He added that the training would comprise 70 per cent hands-on field research, 20 per cent structured learning and 10 per cent industry exposure.

"This approach aims to guide participants in addressing real-world societal challenges and understanding the research process, including the development of evidence-based concepts," he said.

Muhammad Rawi also encouraged participants to proactively seek exposure from other research groups to broaden their experience and understanding of different areas of expertise.

He stressed that discipline, particularly compliance with safety procedures, was a key priority throughout their placement at the agency.

The pilot programme, coordinated by the National MTVET Secretariat, received 1,174 applications before the closing date on July 31. Of these, 982 candidates were shortlisted to sit for an online assessment, followed by an interview.

The interviews were conducted by the MTVET Secretariat in collaboration with eight participating research institutions, namely the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), National Archives of Malaysia (ANM), Malaysia Cryptology Management Technology Centre, Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST), MIMOS Berhad and SIRIM Bhd.

All 77 selected TVET talents will receive a monthly allowance under the PROTÉGÉ Ready to Work scheme, funded by Dhaya Maju LTAT Sdn Bhd, Meiden Malaysia Sdn Bhd and APEX Communication Sdn Bhd, throughout their placement at the eight research institutions.

The programme reflects an integrated collaboration between the government, research institutions and industry partners to establish a development pathway for highly skilled talent capable of adapting to technological changes and meeting the nation's future needs.

-- BERNAMA