By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, July 1 — Strategic cooperation between the federal government and state-led institutions such as the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC) is expanding opportunities for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students to acquire high-tech skills and industry-recognised certifications.
In a written parliamentary reply yesterday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said access to advanced technology training and professional certifications for students in Selangor has been strengthened through collaboration with STDC.
“This collaboration opens up more opportunities for TVET students to acquire high-value competencies that are relevant to the demands of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the digital economy,” she said in response to a question from Menteri Besar and Gombak Member of Parliament Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin had asked about the federal government’s plans to harmonise its TVET framework with state-level initiatives such as STDC and the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), to strengthen the pool of skilled workers in high-technology fields.
According to Fadhlina, a total of 598 professional certification sponsorship placements were offered between 2023 and 2025, with an additional 124 placements made available in 2026 for vocational college students, particularly those in Selangor.
The minister said the high-impact programmes implemented through collaboration with STDC include the STDC Siemens TIA Portal Basic PLC (BPLC), STDC Siemens PLC Certified Professional (PLCCP), Creative Digital Content in Augmented Reality with Reality Composer programme, studies and career pathways in air-conditioning and refrigeration technology, as well as the SwiftUI Academy Skills Certification Sponsorship Programme.
“These initiatives not only strengthen students’ mastery of new technologies, but also build their capabilities to explore strategic fields that are driving the nation’s economic growth,” she said.
Fadhlina added that STDC also provided on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for 20 vocational college students annually from 2023 to 2025.
“This direct exposure to the industrial environment enables students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations, enhancing employability and strengthening their readiness to enter the workforce,” she said.
Meanwhile, in the semiconductor sector, Fadhlina said the Education Ministry (MOE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Advanced Energy Industries (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in Penang, providing vocational college teachers and students in the northern region with industrial attachments, industry training and employment opportunities.
She said MOE has also expanded cooperation with high-impact industries through the TVET Industry Relations Committee (JHiTVET), including collaborations with Vitrox Academy, to expose Form Five students in Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak to advanced industrial technologies.
