TANJUNG MALIM — Graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs must develop a range of skills beyond technical expertise to thrive in an evolving global landscape marked by technological advances, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday.

Speaking at the Central Zone Polytechnics and Community Colleges convocation ceremony held at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and entrepreneurship. He stressed that mastery of AI, data analytics, and digital technologies should become fundamental competencies for graduates, complemented by problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and ethical decision-making.

“We want graduates to know how to use technology effectively while remaining courteous and responsible,” he said, highlighting the need for balanced skills that marry technical knowledge with soft skills.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the role of applied innovation through stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry stakeholders. He urged that promising student projects be tested in real-world settings, refined, and eventually commercialized. As an example, he cited a student-developed smart irrigation system that could be piloted with farmers to reduce water waste and enhance productivity.

“Institutions and industry should provide the necessary guidance and pathways for such innovations to be commercialized,” he noted.

In addition to technical and innovative capabilities, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored entrepreneurship as a critical avenue for TVET graduates to generate economic opportunities. He pointed to the success story of Noor Azree Aiman, an Ampang Community College alum who founded ASZR Legacy, a mobile phone repair business that expanded to multiple branches and created jobs for local youth following a combination of technical skills and entrepreneurial support.

Ahmad Zahid called on Polytechnics, Community Colleges, industry players, and graduates not merely to adapt to change but to actively lead and shape the future economic landscape.

The remarks come amid ongoing efforts to align Malaysia’s TVET curriculum with industry demands and technological trends, aiming to produce a workforce equipped for the digital economy.