Technical, vocational education a valid path to success

KUALA LUMPUR: The country is set to organise its first ever technical vocational educational training (TVET) fair to encourage the sector's growth and counter negative perceptions.
Speaking at a press conference at Wisma MCA, the party's youth leader Chong Sin Woon said they were aiming to hold the fair on May 9 to 10.
"We are expecting the TVET fair to be a large-scale affair," he said, adding the fair would be held at the Viva Home Expo located in Taman Miharja, Cheras.
Chong said that much needs to be done to counter the notion that technical and vocational (T&V) education was solely meant for poor academic achievers or school dropouts.
"This isn't the case with developed nations worldwide. For example, 60% of Germany's student population undergoes vocational training," he said, adding that in contrast, 70% to 80% of Malaysian students focus on tertiary education instead.
"Based on numerous studies and surveys, TV&V students have more marketability, increased employment opportunities, and even higher earning power when compared to their tertiary-educated counterparts."
Chong said that since Malaysia is chairing the Asean committee for 2015, more T&V educated individuals might flock to the nation in search of opportunities.
"This means we face challenges not from within, but from the greater Asean region. Our mindsets must change in order to prepare for that."
He urged young Malaysians to consider T&V as a primary educational path instead of stigmatising it as menial labour that is beneath them.
"The TVET fair was intentionally enlarged so as to accommodate all businesses providing T&V training to come forth," Chong said, stating they would be joined by national vocational colleges as well as colleges from six other nations worldwide.
Chong pointed out that interested prospective students facing financial restrictions would be provided loans should they so choose.
"The Youth & Sports Ministry as well as the Ministry of Education also offers loans for these students," he said, adding that government T&V students would receive free education as well as a possible monthly allowance.