Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad hailed Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (SEAMEO Voctech) as a shining example of excellence in the region’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) landscape.
Speaking at the opening of the 35th SEAMEO Voctech Governing Board Meeting yesterday, Dr Haji Azman highlighted the centre’s significant contributions including empowering TVET personnel with the skills needed to meet evolving industry and societal demands through training programmes and research initiatives; providing valuable insights into adapting TVET to rapid technological advancements through groundbreaking studies and research on digital transformation; championing research on diverse topics, ensuring TVET aligns with the ever-changing labour market in Southeast Asia; and using SEA-VET.net platform to foster collaboration and dialogue among TVET practitioners and policymakers across the region.
Dr Haji Azman emphasised the need for SEAMEO Voctech to continue innovating and staying relevant in the face of fast-paced economic, industrial and technological changes.
The theme of the centre’s 7th Five-Year Development Plan, ‘Inclusive TVET for a Sustainable and Digital Future’, reflects this commitment to future-proofing TVET.
TVET plays a pivotal role in building resilient economies and societies, especially in the midst of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the transition to green economies. The demand for skilled workers equipped with technical skills, competencies and a forward-thinking mindset has never been more critical.
The increasing integration of digital technologies require TVET to go beyond traditional skills. Training programmes incorporating digital literacy, data-driven decision-making and Industrial Revolution 4.0 competencies are crucial to prepare learners for the complexities of the digital world, said the permanent secretary. The global movement towards sustainability necessitates ‘green skills’. SEAMEO Voctech plays a key role in empowering TVET institutions to integrate these competencies into their curricula, preparing the workforce for jobs in renewable energy, agriculture and environmental conservation.
TVET’s role in bridging economic gaps and inequalities was highlighted by Dr Haji Azman. By supporting policies and initiatives that promote equal access to quality education and training, SEAMEO Voctech can champion inclusive TVET. This includes advocating for gender equality in technical fields, expanding opportunities in rural areas and leveraging digital platforms for broader reach. SEAMEO Voctech Governing Board Chairman Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli meanwhile presented the centre’s achievements for the fiscal year 2023-2024: 37 training programmes and workshops reached 993 participants across the region, equipping TVET professionals with the skills to improve TVET systems in their respective countries; the centre’s research playing a vital role in addressing critical challenges and solidifies its position as a leading authority in TVET research and consultancy; effective use of digital platforms and social media broadening stakeholder engagement; and prudent financial management, infrastructure development and strategic human capital initiatives positioning the centre for sustained growth.
Dr Haji Mohd Zamri said SEAMEO Voctech is embarking on a new chapter with its 7th Five-Year Development Plan. The new vision, ‘A Globally Recognised Leader in TVET’, and mission, ‘Empowering TVET through Inclusive Education, Digitalisation and Sustainable Development’, reflect the centre’s commitment to equip Southeast Asia with the skills and knowledge needed for a technology-driven future, while addressing environmental sustainability.
With a clear vision, mission and theme, SEAMEO Voctech is well-positioned to continue its crucial role in advancing TVET in Southeast Asia and beyond, said the chairman. – Lyna Mohamad
