New Digital TVET hub to address tech skills shortage

The increasing demand for skilled digital talent in Malaysia is being met with a pioneering new initiative – the launch of the Digital TVET & Careers Hub, spearheaded by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Advancement Association (TVETAA). The hub was officially launched today by the Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, in a bid to equip the Malaysian workforce with critical digital skills to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

The Digital TVET & Careers Hub, located in Gamuda Cove, is designed to address the growing gap between the talent produced by educational institutions and the needs of the digital economy. With support from major industry players and training organizations, the hub offers a variety of programs that focus on upskilling, reskilling, and certifying digital talents in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Meeting the demands of a changing workforce

During the launch, Datuk Wilson Ugak highlighted the growing need for skilled talent in Malaysia’s digital economy, which is driven by both local and international investments. “The digital landscape in Malaysia is evolving rapidly, and with it, the demand for skilled talent has reached unprecedented levels. The future of work is changing globally, accelerated by emerging technologies like AI, big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity,” the deputy minister said in his speech.

Referencing the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, he emphasized the urgency of building a well-prepared digital workforce. This initiative, he said, is timely, as it focuses on providing the skills needed to thrive in a globalized, tech-driven economy.

A unique partnership for talent development

The Digital TVET & Careers Hub is a collaborative effort, uniting industry leaders, educational institutions, and digital training providers. According to Dato’ Bruce Lim Aun Choong, Managing Director of TVETAA, the hub offers a unique blend of academic learning and practical industry experience, ensuring that graduates are equipped with industry-recognized, internationally certified qualifications.

Designed to address the growing demand for digital talent, the hub seeks to bridge the gap between the skills required by employers and those provided by educational institutions. “We are addressing this issue by offering industry-recognized, internationally certified qualifications, ensuring our talents meet the evolving needs of digital players,” said Lim.

This seamless partnership between academia and industry has been described as a game-changer in Malaysia’s talent development landscape, shortening the traditional educational pathway while maintaining a high standard of training.

Innovative solutions and partnerships to accelerate growth

At the heart of the Digital TVET & Careers Hub is the innovative ClickED platform, which leverages AI to match skilled workers with job opportunities through its “Place & Train” programs. Supported by key initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Khazanah Nasional’s K-Youth Programme, HRD Corp, and SOCSO’s Bina Kerjaya, the platform ensures a streamlined process for connecting talent with industry needs.

By shortening traditional educational pathways and aligning them with market demands, the hub ensures just-in-time talent production. “This significantly reduces the time required to develop industry-ready talents while keeping pace with technological advancements,” emphasized Raymond Siva, Senior Vice President of MDEC.

The collaboration extends to universities, polytechnics, and technical training centers across the country. Partnerships with institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) ensure that high-potential digital talents are identified early and given opportunities for development.

Success stories and industry commitment

The event also marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 180 candidates from the Digital Boot Camp, a training initiative designed to introduce participants to digital career opportunities. Many of the graduates have already received conditional job offers from leading digital companies, underscoring the success of the program in producing work-ready talent.

In addition to the launch, the deputy minister witnessed the signing of several key collaborative agreements between TVETAA and various institutions, including the establishment of industry labs at the hub. Leading companies, along with the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC), have also pledged their support to this initiative.

The TVETAA, in partnership with digital training providers like K-Pintar, Thriving Talents, Peoplelogy, and Human Kapital, aims to offer globally-accredited digital and technology certifications. These partnerships highlight the hub’s commitment to producing a steady pipeline of digitally-skilled professionals to meet both local and global demands.

For more information on the programs and partnerships available through the Digital TVET & Careers Hub, visit www.tvetaustralasia.com.au.