Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that a special program will be launched later this year to support students who have either fallen behind or are uninterested in continuing their education into Form Four. This initiative aims to guide them into technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathways.
“Don’t assume that without the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), there is no future,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He explained that within the TVET system, the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to the SPM, while SKM Levels 3, 4, and 5 are comparable to a diploma.
“We need to create an ecosystem for these students. The country requires workers, and companies investing here also need a skilled youth workforce,” he stated during a gathering with the Indian community in connection with the Mahkota state by-election yesterday.
Also in attendance were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the by-election, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah.
Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he would engage with Indian community leaders, including MIC president Tan Sri S A Vigneswaran, to explore ways to motivate young people from the community to pursue the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), which offers pathways to higher education institutions without the need for SPM qualifications.
Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz shared that the state government had allocated RM16.9 million over a two-year period, starting in 2022, to support the Indian community through various programs. This funding also addressed key issues such as places of worship, burial grounds, and education.
“We extended this support to the Indian community across all districts. For instance, in the area of education, every staff room in Tamil Schools (SJKT) throughout the state received RM5,000 each, amounting to a total of RM400,000 in assistance,” he stated.
By introducing alternative education pathways such as TVET and providing targeted financial support, these efforts aim to uplift underprivileged groups and enhance opportunities for higher education and skills development. As Malaysia continues to invest in its youth and diverse communities, such initiatives will play a crucial role in driving the nation’s progress and prosperity.
Source: MalayMail
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