KUALA LUMPUR, January 30 – In a move to strengthen Malaysia’s skilled workforce, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) is working collaboratively with relevant ministries and agencies. Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Miti Minister, shared that engagements with the Ministry of Human Resources, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council aim to develop comprehensive plans for increasing the number of skilled Malaysian workers.
One proposal under consideration involves allowing students, particularly those in engineering disciplines, studying in Malaysian universities to work in areas where there is a shortage of local talent, particularly in value-added services and high technology sectors. Tengku Zafrul emphasized the need for strategic planning to address the demand for skilled manpower, especially as foreign investments flow into the country. Recognizing the significance of skilled workers for major projects like the AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s plant in Kulim, Kedah, and Intel’s operations, he stressed the importance of ensuring a well-equipped workforce.
Additionally, Tengku Zafrul revealed that Miti is finalizing several free trade agreements, including one with the United Arab Emirates, expected to be concluded by the end of June 2024. The collaboration seeks to strengthen Malaysia’s industrial, trade, and investment ecosystem, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 as a guiding policy.
