Sikh school-leavers are being encouraged to consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a career path, with EKTA Club Kuala Lumpur & Selangor providing five scholarships worth RM5,000 each to deserving students pursuing vocational education.
The EKTA TVET Scholarship provides financial assistance to Sikh students while encouraging greater consideration of vocational education and challenging the perception of TVET as a second choice, particularly among parents and students after Form 3 and SPM, given that Malaysia’s growing industries, including semiconductors, renewable energy, electric vehicles, logistics, hospitality, construction and advanced manufacturing, require skilled technical professionals.
TVET offers a direct pathway into these industries, equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills and opening doors to in-demand jobs, competitive starting salaries and career progression.
Datuk Dr Saran Kaur Gill, Chair of EKTA Youth Development & Life-Long Learning, noted that TVET could be particularly suitable for students who preferred practical, hands-on learning.
“Every young person has different strengths and aspirations. For those who enjoy learning by doing, TVET provides the opportunity to develop practical in-demand skills for the workplace. It can lead to a career, further studies or even entrepreneurship. TVET is a smart and respected pathway to a successful future,” she said.
Driishnil Singh, who developed an interest in automobiles from a young age, chose Automotive Engineering at Setapak Vocational College after Form Three. He obtained his Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) and is now pursuing a Diploma Vokasional Malaysia.
The scholarship is open to Sikh students entering or pursuing Sijil Vokasional Malaysia, SKM or Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia programmes at public vocational colleges. Selection is based on financial need, academic effort and commitment, interest in TVET, leadership, community service and a personal statement.
The RM5,000 scholarship covers tuition fees for the duration of the course, subject to satisfactory performance.
EKTA will assist eligible students with applications to public vocational colleges, while scholarship recipients will receive mentoring, counselling, leadership development and community involvement opportunities throughout their studies, she added.
Furthermore, EKTA Founding President Datin Kuldip Kaur also added that the five scholarships offered represented an investment in Sikh youth.
“The scholarships provide deserving Sikh students with the financial support, encouragement and guidance they need to pursue vocational education and build successful futures,” she said.
She expressed that greater awareness of vocational education could help students make education choices based on their interests, abilities and preferred ways of learning.
Applications are open to students enrolled in vocational colleges with no closing date; enquiries can be directed to ektamalaysia@gmail.com.
