00:00Innovation is the key to wealth and success.
00:04Over the years, Putrajaya has stood firm on this belief,
00:07consistently updating national plans and guidelines
00:10to keep up with evolving global trends.
00:13But economists say there are two sectors in particular
00:16that the government needs to focus more on,
00:18not only to drive innovation,
00:20but also to boost the nation's economic growth.
00:22Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM,
00:30and technical and vocational education and training, or TVET.
00:34University Malaya economics professor Raja Razia
00:38said STEM subjects are critical in churning out a workforce
00:41that can propel Malaysia on its fourth industrial revolution journey.
00:45At the same time, he said TVET is essential
00:48to develop practical skills for various industries,
00:51particularly in climate resilience and digitalisation.
00:55Raja also said TVET and STEM subjects would be able to ensure
00:59that the future workforce enjoys high median wages,
01:02potentially lowering the poverty rate in the nation.
01:05However, he said there is a need to debunk the perception
01:08that TVET is meant to prepare students
01:10for dirty, dangerous and demeaning jobs.
01:13Raja called on the government to emulate Germany and Japan,
01:16which consistently recognise the crucial role TVET plays
01:20in developing highly skilled workers.
01:22Meanwhile, Madeline Burma of Institut Masa Depan Malaysia
01:26said STEM and TVET subjects offer substantial economic
01:29and social returns on investment,
01:31enhancing students' income and career prospects.
01:34She said Malaysia must raise its proportion of highly skilled workers
01:38from 25% to 45% by 2030
01:41to be able to compete with developed countries.
01:44This should not be difficult, as Madeline also believes
01:47the demand for STEM and TVET graduates has been steadily rising,
01:51with many employers recognising that they possess valuable skills
01:54like critical thinking and problem solving.
01:58Natasha Bust, FMT News.
Comments