MOE evaluating readiness for TVET integration in primary schools by 2027

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is assessing the effectiveness and readiness of introducing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) elements into the 2027 School Curriculum at primary school level.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said TVET elements would be indirectly integrated into the curriculum from preschool to secondary school, in line with the Malaysia Education Plan 2026-2035 and the Digital Education Policy.

She said the curriculum would be tailored to pupils' developmental stages and was not intended to prepare children for employment at an early age.

"The curriculum content builds foundational knowledge, skills and values through activities involving technology, design, product development, problem-solving, creativity, computational thinking and safe working practices.

"Project-based and experiential learning will allow pupils to explore simple problems, generate ideas, design, produce, test and improve their work," she said in a written parliamentary reply published on Parliament's website.

Fadhlina was responding to Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh), who asked whether the ministry had assessed the effectiveness and readiness of introducing TVET education in primary schools from the 2027 school session.

The question covered curriculum content, teacher competency, facilities and the impact on pupils' development.

Fadhlina said the approach would also support the development of competencies outlined in the 2027 School Curriculum, including personal development, communication, responsibility, digital fluency, multiple literacies, thinking skills and lifelong learning.

To ensure teachers were prepared, she said the ministry was developing clear curriculum documents, teaching and learning support materials, teacher guidance modules and training programmes delivered through face-to-face sessions and e-learning.

"This support focuses on understanding curriculum content, implementing project-based learning, managing activities safely, using basic equipment, assessing pupils' learning and integrating TVET elements into teaching and learning.

"The approach will also provide teachers with continuous exposure, guidance and access to reference materials to implement the curriculum confidently and effectively," she said.

She said the ministry was also identifying requirements for space, equipment, materials and devices based on the curriculum and planned learning activities.

"The provision and improvement of infrastructure will be carried out in phases, taking into account suitability, safety, feasibility and schools' capabilities.

"The ministry's preparations are structured and comprehensive, covering the curriculum, teachers, implementation support and infrastructure to ensure pupils acquire relevant foundational competencies to adapt to technological changes and future needs," she said.