Harnessing TVET education to propel Malaysia’s railway workforce to regional leadership

Malaysia stands at a pivotal juncture in its journey to becoming a regional transportation hub. The growth of its railway sector, highlighted by initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), expansions of the MRT, and the planning for the high-speed rail projects, reflects the country’s dedication to upgrading its infrastructure. However, the success of these projects hinges on a vital factor—human capital. Malaysia is at a crucial point in its efforts to become a regional transportation hub. The development of its railway sector, marked by projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the expansion of the MRT, and plans for high-speed rail, demonstrates the country’s commitment to improving its infrastructure. However, the success of these initiatives depends on a key element—human capital. The railway industry requires ongoing innovation and process re-engineering, which in turn demands an evolving set of skills. A report from Europe’s Rail points out that skill levels in the railway sector are shifting due to technological progress. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offers Malaysia a valuable opportunity to not only meet its domestic workforce needs but also to position itself as a regional leader in exporting railway expertise across Asia. A collaborative study by the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and UNESCO emphasizes the need to align TVET systems with the demands of the labour market. The report reveals that many TVET systems in low- and middle-income countries fail to match skills with labour market needs and are ill-equipped to address the growing demand for TVET. This disconnect indicates that improving TVET programs to cater to specific sectoral requirements, such as those in the railway sector, could greatly enhance the technological skills of local professionals.

TVET in the railway sector is not a new concept globally. Countries like Japan, China, and Germany sustain their Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to support the railway sector through strategic partnerships, teacher training, and curriculum development. All three countries adapt their curricula to reflect technological advancements and industry requirements, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant skills. Japan for example, focuses on cultivating “dual-qualified” teachers who possess both academic and practical experience, crucial for effective training in the railway sector. Additionally, China and Japan have developed strong public-private partnerships that facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, enhancing the quality of vocational training. While these countries have made significant strides in sustaining their TVET systems, challenges remain, such as the need for continuous adaptation to rapid technological changes and the integration of sustainable practices in training programs. Malaysia can learn from these nations to develop its own specialized TVET programs, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and automation. By tailoring TVET curricula to meet the specific needs of the railway sector, Malaysia can create a workforce capable of meeting the country’s infrastructure demands while also setting the stage for regional expansion.

How TVET benefits Malaysia’s railway workforce

The incorporation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into Malaysia’s railway transport systems greatly improves the skills and job prospects of the workforce. TVET is gaining recognition as an essential factor in cultivating a skilled workforce, ensuring that educational programs meet industry demands, especially in light of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This connection not only helps to close the skills gap but also equips workers for more advanced technological positions within the railway industry.

TVET provides individuals with the necessary technical skills for various roles in the railway sector, such as engineering, track maintenance, signalling, and project management. These programs also cater to emerging trends like digital rail technologies, IoT-enabled predictive maintenance, and sustainable railway solutions. Employers frequently regard TVET graduates as highly skilled, indicating their preparedness for the job market. The Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025) highlights the significance of TVET in developing quality human capital, which is crucial for transitioning to a capital-intensive economy. Additionally, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has set articulation principles to ensure that TVET programs align with industry requirements, thereby enhancing graduates’ employability. TVET graduates typically enjoy higher employment rates compared to their peers from traditional universities. Research shows that the employment rate for TVET graduates is around 87.94%, while traditional university graduates often experience higher unemployment due to a mismatch of skills with industry needs, as the industry favours practical skills. Although practical skills are essential, incorporating soft skills is also vital for creating a versatile workforce that can adapt to the changing demands of the railway industry. Collaborating with railway companies to establish training standards ensures that TVET curricula meet industry requirements, thereby boosting graduates’ employability. The active involvement of employers in the TVET system can result in improved training outcomes and a more skilled workforce.

Enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a vital role in Malaysia’s economic development by training skilled workers for in-demand sectors, particularly in railway transport. As the country progresses with its railway initiatives, TVET provides a consistent supply of qualified personnel to meet industry needs. This approach decreases dependence on foreign talent and opens up job opportunities for local citizens, thereby stimulating the economy. Additionally, TVET fosters a culture of lifelong learning, allowing workers to upgrade their skills and keep pace with technological changes. This strategy helps ensure that Malaysia’s workforce remains competitive on a global scale. Furthermore, globally recognized certifications improve the job prospects of Malaysian professionals in countries with expanding railway systems, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Exporting Malaysian expertise: Opportunities in the Asian Region

The railway market in Asia is experiencing significant growth due to rapid urbanization, economic development, and a rising need for efficient transportation. Nations like China, India, and Indonesia are making substantial investments in railway infrastructure, leading to a high demand for skilled workers. Malaysia, with its advantageous location and growing expertise in railway technology, is well-equipped to address this need by exporting its workforce and technical knowledge. Countries like Indonesia and Thailand are facing serious shortages of skilled labour in their railway industries. Malaysian TVET graduates, who are trained in areas such as high-speed rail maintenance, digital signalling systems, and project management, can help fill these gaps. By exporting skilled professionals, Malaysia can enhance its diplomatic relationships with neighbouring countries while also reaping economic benefits.

Malaysia has the opportunity to establish itself as a regional hub for railway training and education. By creating top-notch TVET institutions and programs, the country can draw in students and professionals from all over Asia. This not only brings in revenue but also boosts Malaysia’s standing as a leader in technical education. With the expansion of railway networks in Asia, there is a rising need for skills in project management and execution. Malaysian engineers and technicians, trained through specialized TVET programs, can play a vital role in initiatives like the Trans-Asian Railway Network, which seeks to link various countries in the region. In addition to exporting labour, Malaysia can utilize its growing expertise to provide consultancy services in railway planning, construction, and operations, positioning its firms as significant contributors to the Asian railway sector.

Key strategies to realize the potential

Malaysia needs to create TVET programs that cater specifically to the requirements of the railway industry. Partnerships among TVET institutions, railway companies, and international organizations can help ensure that the curriculum addresses important topics like sustainability, digitalization, and safety. It is crucial to establish robust collaborations between the government and the private sector to secure funding, develop curricula, and facilitate job placements. For instance, working together with operators and prominent global manufacturers can offer significant on-the-job training experiences.

Certifications that align with international standards will improve the global job prospects for Malaysian TVET graduates. Malaysia should collaborate with international organizations to ensure its training programs gain worldwide recognition. Public awareness initiatives can emphasize the advantages of TVET, especially in the railway industry. Offering scholarships, incentives, and well-defined career paths can draw more students to these programs. The future of railways is cantered on digitalization and sustainability.

As Malaysia develops its railway infrastructure, the importance of TVET in cultivating a skilled workforce is crucial. By investing in specialized education and training programs, Malaysia can fulfil its domestic workforce requirements and establish itself as a leader in the Asian railway sector. The advantages are numerous: job creation, economic development, and increased regional influence. Exporting Malaysian railway expertise to the Asian market presents not only an economic opportunity but also a platform to demonstrate the nation’s capabilities and innovation. With strategic investments in TVET and a commitment to quality education, Malaysia’s workforce can propel the country’s railway goals while contributing to the expansion of railway networks throughout Asia. By promoting a culture of excellence in TVET, Malaysia can ensure its workforce is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century and is equipped to lead in regional railway advancements.