DEPUTY Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud says youth, especially Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates, should not depend too much on the gig economy to build their careers.

He said the sector provides a source of income, but the younger generation should not depend too much on gig work because they do not know how long it will last.

“We do not know how long this gig economy will last. If we look at the current demand for delivery services (p-hailing), for example, it has decreased.

“It is advisable for youth to focus on efforts to obtain certificates through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme and at higher learning institutions,” he told reporters after officiating the “Northern Zone Outreach TVET Madani: Jom Pilih Kemahiran 2023” in Kangar today.

Also present were Skills Development Department deputy director-general (development) Mohd Yusoff Abu Bakar and Kangar Industrial Training Institute director Mohd Yusri Mohd Rahim.

Mustapha said the government and private sector provide many opportunities for those wanting to further their education.

“Don’t stop learning. Young people who want to work after SPM can still continue their studies part-time or on weekends,” he said.

He said from Jejak TVET data, 95% of youth who joined TVET programmes secured employment or became entrepreneurs.

“The ministry’s target is to create a 35% skilled workforce by 2030, but thus far we are still at 28%. This is quite worrying because there are not enough skilled workers (for Malaysia) to achieve developed status.”

Mustapha said the ministry is working to reach the target of signing 50 memoranda of understanding (MOU) with industry players for the national TVET segment by the end of this year.

He said through the MOUs, TVET students will obtain expertise and exposure to the latest technologies to meet the industry’s most current needs. – Bernama, July 26, 2023.