PETALING JAYA: A total of RM7.9 billion has been allocated for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) under the 2026 budget to meet rising demand for skilled local talent in high-growth industries.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the National TVET Council will receive RM45 million, including funds to integrate digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) education for 10,000 tahfiz and pondok students through the IPT@Community Programme.

“TVET institutions under the education ministry will receive RM1.3 billion to train 79,000 TVET students,” he said when tabling the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“HRD Corp, with a RM3 billion fund, will offer three million training opportunities, especially in high-tech, digital, and energy transition sectors.”

Anwar also said the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) will also offer RM650 million in financing for over 25,000 trainees, especially in sectors aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan, such as AI, electric vehicles and semiconductors.