Stop hunting for jobs, start creating them, minister tells TVET grads as 97pc find work

On September 12, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, encouraged TVET graduates to focus on creating jobs rather than merely seeking employment. The minister highlighted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports offers opportunities for graduates with disabilities, including those with autism, to enter the workforce after completing their studies at the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institutes (ILKBS).

Dr Johari emphasized the ministry's commitment to supporting this effort to achieve a target of at least 1% representation of persons with disabilities in the public service.

At the 21st ILKBS Convocation Ceremony 2026, 4,155 graduates received their certificates after completing diploma, advanced certificate, and skills certificate programs in various fields. Among these graduates were 130 youths with disabilities and autism. ILKBS promotes character development and identity, alongside 80% of the curriculum focused on skills development. The institute encourages community involvement as a means of giving back to society.

Dr Johari welcomed the implementation of TVET 2.0, pledging continued empowerment of youth and sports skills training institutions through collaborations with industry players. Currently, 180 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with various parties and industry partners, particularly in the automotive and electrical sectors. The minister expects this number to expand as they explore new, rapidly growing industries.

The minister urged ILKBS graduates not only to seek job opportunities domestically but also to consider the potential of overseas markets, such as the Asean region, which has a population of approximately 700 million. He stressed the importance of keeping pace with current developments, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, and advised graduates not to merely seek employment but to also be capable of creating jobs.

Muhammad Haffiz Rahim, the recipient of the ILKBS Overall Best Graduate Award, expressed his delight at the recognition, stating that it would remain a cherished memory. As the eldest of four siblings, Haffiz completed a Diploma in Automotive Maintenance Engineering Technology at the National Youth Advanced Skills Institute (IKTBN) Temerloh.

He aspired to secure a job in the public sector, specifically with KBS, and was motivated to share his experience to encourage his relatives to pursue a career in TVET, which he believed held bright employment prospects.