Background

Malaysia is investing heavily in technical and vocational education as it prepares for a future driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies. As demand for new skills grows, the government is strengthening its TVET system to ensure learners are equipped for emerging industries and employers have access to a skilled workforce.

National initiatives including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the National Automotive Policy and TVET 2.0 are helping shape this transformation, with a growing emphasis on internationally recognised qualifications and quality assurance.

The Challenge

As Malaysia expands its investment in TVET, there is a need to ensure qualifications keep pace with changing industry requirements while also meeting internationally recognised standards.

Alongside developing skills for priority sectors such as electric vehicles and renewable energy, the government wanted to strengthen quality assurance, improve international recognition and support greater workforce mobility for learners.

The Partnership

NOCN Group is working with Malaysia's Department of Skills Development (JPK), part of the Ministry of Human Resources, to support the international development of the country's TVET system.

Building on the launch of NOCN Asia, the partnership focuses on strengthening qualification design, quality assurance and international benchmarking. Together, JPK and NOCN are helping develop qualifications that reflect Malaysia's national priorities while aligning with internationally recognised standards.

Our Approach

Working collaboratively, JPK and NOCN have combined Malaysia's National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) with international quality frameworks.

The partnership includes:

• Mapping occupational standards against international benchmarks.
• Strengthening qualification design and quality assurance.
• Supporting consistent assessment and external quality assurance.
• Exploring dual certification opportunities.

Developing internationally recognised qualifications in priority sectors including electric vehicles and electrical installation.

This collaborative approach helps ensure learners develop skills that meet employer needs both within Malaysia and internationally.

The Impact

The partnership is supporting Malaysia's ambition to build a modern, internationally connected TVET system.

Through the collaboration:

• International benchmarking is strengthening qualification quality.
• Learners are gaining access to qualifications with greater international recognition.
• Assessment and quality assurance processes are becoming more consistent.
• Skills development is supporting priority sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicles and other future industries.
• Malaysia is strengthening its position as a regional leader in technical and vocational education.

Looking Ahead

Malaysia's transition to a greener economy depends on people as much as technology.

As demand for green skills continues to grow, NOCN Group and JPK will continue working together to develop internationally benchmarked qualifications that prepare learners for careers in emerging industries while supporting employers with the skilled workforce they need.

The partnership provides a strong foundation for the continued development of high-quality TVET across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

At a Glance

Region: Malaysia

Partner: Department of Skills Development (JPK), Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia

Sector: Green Energy and Electric Vehicles

Programme: TVET Transformation and International Benchmarking

Key Outcomes

• Supporting the international benchmarking of Malaysia's TVET qualifications.
• Aligning National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) with internationally recognised frameworks.
• Strengthening qualification design, assessment and quality assurance.
• Supporting skills development for electric vehicles, renewable energy and future industries.
• Improving the international recognition and portability of Malaysian qualifications.
• Contributing to Malaysia's ambition to become a regional hub for advanced TVET.