Malaysia-Turkiye TVET Cooperation to Strengthen National Workforce
ISTANBUL: Research collaboration between Malaysia and Turkiye in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has the potential to strengthen the development of the nation’s workforce skills to meet the needs of future industries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said TVET development was among four priority areas proposed for joint research between the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA).
He said the collaboration aimed to obtain insights from researchers and experts on geopolitical changes, industrial development and future skills requirements.
“I want this exchange of views to produce policy recommendations that relevant institutions can utilise to strengthen the nation’s capabilities and create opportunities for the people,” he said in a media statement issued in conjunction with his working visit to Turkiye on Sunday.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the other three proposed areas were ASEAN-Turkiye strategic and economic relations, the halal industry and rural entrepreneurship, as well as disaster preparedness and community resilience.
He also proposed that ISIS Malaysia and SETA prepare a joint research scoping paper to identify key policy questions, relevant institutions and opportunities for further cooperation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Research Cooperation between the two institutions was previously signed on January 7, 2026, providing a foundation for expanding joint research, exchanging expertise and developing evidence-based policy recommendations.
“The strength of Malaysia-Turkiye relations must also be supported by knowledge cooperation and high-quality research to enhance workforce skills and expand economic opportunities for the people,” Ahmad Zahid added.
Astro AWANI