Higher education minister: Universities not only path to youth success

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has urged the public to reconsider the notion that universities are the sole path to success for young people. He emphasized that technical skills and knowledge also present career opportunities, particularly for those who may not excel academically. Over the past two years, the Ministry has actively promoted alternative avenues for education, such as polytechnics and community colleges, which provide skills certificates in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Zambry pointed out that applications to enter polytechnics have surged to 132 percent, compared to the previous 60 to 70 percent, illustrating a shift in societal perception. The Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening teaching methods within these institutions to meet the country's demand for technical workers, including the government's goal of producing 60,000 engineers.

He also mentioned that students from the arts stream with an inclination towards technology were being provided with opportunities through targeted intervention programs.

Furthermore, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan stressed the need to address the skills mismatch issue, which affects nearly 37 percent of skilled workers who are not employed in their second quarter of this year. Factors contributing to this issue include a lack of job opportunities, skills gaps, and less attractive salary offers in certain sectors.

To tackle these challenges, Khairul Firdaus announced the introduction of the National Human Resources Policy 2026-2035, which focuses on four key aspects: more productive employment, career development, more meaningful incomes, and appropriate protection.

However, Khan acknowledged that for the policy to be effective, there is a need for more balanced infrastructure development across states, ensuring that job opportunities and talent development are not confined to the Klang Valley alone.