NST Leader: TVET charting new heights
A skilled technician from a humble background in Kuala Lumpur found a niche servicing air-conditioners in affluent areas, charging hundreds of ringgit for a house call.
The technician is available any time of the week, sometimes within hours of an urgent summon.
Typically, the technician services five to 10 air-conditioners at an average of RM170 per unit, often in only three homes.
The technician first honed his skills as a company employee, earning at most RM3,500, but since becoming a free agent and forming his own company, his earnings have quadrupled, providing him with staff, a nice home and a gleaming new SUV on top of his work van.
This technician is among the many blue-collar workers who have taken their craft to the next level, directly competing with more desirable academic qualifications. His success mirrors the growing value of vocational training and apprenticeship in a blue-collar environment.
The blue-collar general worker's average monthly salary is RM1,712, but they can command better wages in cities. For example, RM2,071 in Johor Baru and RM1,856 to RM4,000 in Kuala Lumpur.
While Malaysians often avoid menial labour, they are inclined to work as an electrician, mechanic, plumber, carpenter, bricklayer, plumber or operate specialised heavy machinery. It is gratifying that the blue-collar community is finally catching up in wages and fees.
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Policy 2030 launched in 2024 confirms this wage growth, producing skilled workers who earn salaries that match or surpass their academically-inclined peers.
Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 holders consistently earn more or the same as holders of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia.
TVET diploma holders also saw stronger wage growth. From 2012 to 2022, their median starting salary saw a 14 per cent spike, compared with just two per cent for diploma holders.
As Malaysia's industrial and consumer base grew in the last four decades, crucial blue-collar work has flourished too, particularly in the private sector. Still, blue-collar work's future will be shaped by automation and the digital economy's evolving demands.
The government's response is to step up upskilling and reskilling programmes to help workers adapt to changing job requirements and environments.
As Malaysia's economy grows, manufacturing, construction and, yes, households, are expected to create more skilled and lucrative blue-collar opportunities.
The gig economy, like the one embraced by the technician, allows flexible work opportunities resistant to the vagaries of automation and artificial intelligence.
As long as TVET grows and workers update their skills and knowledge, blue-collar work may one day become primary careers that can secure handsome incomes, bridge skills gaps and reduce poverty, as exemplified by the successful air-conditioner technician.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (June 23, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar approval rating rises to 55% on the back of economic, political factors, says Merdeka Center * Lee and Anwar discuss FTA, expanding South Korea-Malaysia cooperation, reports Yonhap * Basic needs exempted from revised SST to protect vulnerable households, says Treasury sec-gen * DPMs, Cabinet ministers convey condolences over death of Sarawak Premier's wife * PM Anwar extends condolences over passing of Sarawak Premier's wife * High Court stays freeze order on Na'imah's assets * Video clip case: MACC calls in another Sabah politician * Investment scam ring busted, 10 nabbed in Puchong raid * 17 Malaysians evacuated from Iran return home * Sabah government backs wildlife film to boost tourism * Tax, transport and juice: Triple blow could spike imported fruit prices, traders warn * Nine-year-old girl dies from alleged abuse in Melaka * CIMB revises 2025 GDP forecast to 4.3% on trade easing, stronger US ties * Govt aims for 200,000 individuals to be discharged from bankruptcy in 2025 * Hadi Awang showing strong recovery after heart procedure, says Terengganu MB * Malaysia continues to strengthen public service as people's needs evolve, UN forum told * Sarawak govt monitoring military aircraft incident at Kuching International Airport / RMAF confirm aircraft CN-235 experienced nose landing gear issue A number of suspected drug smugglers are presented to the media during a press conference at the Indonesian Customs Office in Jakarta, on Monday, June 23, 2025, following the uncovering of some 172 international drug smuggling cases from April to June 2025, with a total of 285 suspects arrested. -- Photo by ADITYA IRAWAN / AFP Singapore: * Important to continue nurturing trust and understanding, Singapore PM Wong tells Chinese Premier * Singapore Airlines cancels all flights to Dubai until Wednesday amid Middle East conflict * 11 Singaporeans have left Iran since start of conflict, says foreign ministry * Singapore could host Fifa youth competition, says Fifa chief Gianni Infantino * 'Les Miserables – The Arena Spectacular' marches into Singapore next March * Singapore's annual core inflation rate 0.6% in May, matching poll forecast * Singapore thanks Malaysia and Oman for evacuating citizens from Iran * UK aircraft carrier docks at Marina Bay Cruise Centre * Young people in Singapore carrying weapons as 'fashion accessory': Counsellor * Singaporean actress Hong Ling leaves honeymoon planning to husband Nick Teo * Testing the waters across Causeway - Singapore semiconductor company UMS Integration Ltd's impending secondary listing in Bursa Malaysia Indonesia: * Indonesia arrests 285 in drug crackdown and seizes over half a ton of narcotics * Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy * Indonesia probes second bomb threat on Saudia haj flight * Aceh-North Sumatra dispute triggers wider border tensions * Indonesia weather agency revises outlook, shorter dry season in 2025 * Extradition hearing for Indonesian businessman Tannos begins in Singapore * Asian stocks, currencies dip as Iran conflict sparks risk aversion * Oil prices spike after US strikes on Iran / Oil hits five-month high after US hits key Iranian nuclear sites Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks during a press conference about policies to curb scam centers in Cambodia after a meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23, 2025. -- Photo: Government House of Thailand via REUTERS. Thailand: * Thai authorities seize more than two tons of crystal methamphetamine worth over US$90.8mil * Embattled Thai PM reshuffles cabinet as political crisis rages in country * Thailand bans Cambodian motorbikes at all checkpoints * Thailand heads into political turbulence as Cambodia row festers * Thai embassy in Jordan warns Thais amid Iran-Israel crisis escalation * Army says Cambodia amassing troops and heavy weapons along border * Thai PM taps military figure for defence minister * Thai PM rejects calls to step down over border row Philippines: * 'There's no case', Philippines VP Sara Duterte now wants Senate to dismiss impeachment case * Philippine VP Duterte responds to impeachment trial summons * Singer Ronnie Liang alarmed after scammers used his identity to ask money, court women * Senator bats for labour reforms as Philippines still in 'worst countries for workers' list * Construction worker Cardong Trumpo wins 'Pilipinas Got Talent' season 7 * Philippine VP Duterte criticises Marcos for leaning towards US * Asia - Shares slip, oil rises as investors weigh Iran risks Protesters shout slogans as they condemn the recent bombings of the US against Iran during a rally in Quezon city, Philippines. -- AP Photo/Aaron Favila Vietnam: * World's youngest self-made woman billionaire Lucy Guo says craving work-life balance means you're in wrong job * Police uncover drug syndicate in Johor, two Vietnamese women among arrested * Hanoi business closures driven by concerns over counterfeit goods * Downpour claims two lives in northern Vietnam * Vietnam's star tech firm VNG still planning US IPO * Beijing expresses concern over major trade routes through Gulf Myanmar: * Malaysia urges Asean-OIC collaboration on Myanmar crisis * Global media should report accurately on aggression against Iran, says IRNA * Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran * Myanmar UEC chairman unveils plan to use voting machines nationwide in upcoming election * Oil prices stable as investors await Iranian response to US strikes This pool photo taken and released on Monday, June 23, 2025 by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (right) greeting people who voluntarily evacuated from their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border to a safety centre in Preah Vihear province. -- Photo by POOL / AFP Cambodia: * Cambodia and Thailand now shut land crossings as border row worsens * Cambodia bans fuel, gas imports from Thailand from midnight Sunday * Manet: Thailand must re-open borders before bilateral talks can take place * Cambodia claims Thai cyclists violated temple agreement * Cambodia PM orders halt to fuel imports from Thailand Laos: * Laos focuses on reducing dropouts and advancing education among young children * Luang Prabang charts bold tourism vision to become regional standout * Laos and South Korea launch medical university project in Vientiane Brunei: * Brunei-based law professor ranked among the world's top legal scholars * Nationwide Recycling Day concludes World Environment Day 2025 celebrations * Royals take the plunge at record-breaking coral planting School children prepare to lay flowers at a memorial to those who died to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture on Monday, June 23, 2025. The three-month battle, often dubbed the -- Typhoon of Steel --, killed about 200,000 people, almost half of them local civilians. - Photo by JIJI Press / AFP AseanPlus: * Malaysian doctor highlights Semporna's stateless kids in London photo exhibit * Malaysia determined to be a film tourism destination * RM8mil CBT trial of Vivy Yusof, husband to begin on April 13, 2026 * Public tip-off leads to capture of fugitive rape suspect in Sibu * Maybank extends first green loan to fuel Charoen Pokphand's RE expansion in Malaysia * China warns of 'spillover of war' risk in Iran-Israel conflict * South Korea's Lee names first civilian defence minister in decades * Beijing issues weather warning for hottest days of year * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * Air India cuts less than 5% of narrowbody jet routes, suspends two international flights * Afghan police discover arms, ammunition * Stone carving discovered in Qinghai stirs debate * China says US attack on Iran has damaged its credibility * Key Bangladesh party files case on alleged election rigging * From bingsu to sashimi, popularity of cup foods going strong in South Korea * Australia says it supports US strike, calls for return to diplomacy * New Zealand's 'golden visa' scheme lures US investors * Actress Nashi accused of 'faking' records to take gaokao * Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba to skip NATO summit, source says * Tokyo voters punish Japan ruling party ahead of national election * Japan factory activity returns to growth after 11-month contraction, PMI shows * PETRONAS LNG, Japan's Jogmec partner to expand collaboration in LNG sector * Restaurants and food firms switching to noodles in Japan * India to see limited inflation fallout from oil * South Korea's Lee says Middle East situation is "very urgent" * Repatriation of human skeletons from Netherlands underway * IAEA says entrances to tunnels at Iran's Isfahan site hit by US strike * Iran's Fordow nuclear facility hit by Israeli attack, local official says * This madcap 10-storey-high rural 'nail home' is attracting visitors in China * Hague NATO summit aims to focus on Trump's spending goal but Iran looms large * Iran's parliament looking to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog - IRNA * Exclusive-Iranian retaliation against U.S. forces could come soon, U.S. officials say * Any Iranian closure of Hormuz Strait would be 'extremely dangerous', EU's top diplomat says * Pakistan condemns Trump's bombing of Iran - a day after nominating him for Peace Prize * South Korean artiste DJ Soda shares hair loss nightmare after bleaching mishap: 'I had to shave my head' * Frontman may get 'Squid Game' spinoff, Lee Byung-hun tells Jimmy Fallon * Golf -- Aussie Minjee Lee keeps her cool to bag third Major title at KPMG Women's PGA Championship
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
TVET grads urged to become entrepreneurs, says Ahmad Maslan
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan today called on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates to leverage their skills to become entrepreneurs rather than depend solely on salaried jobs. Speaking at the launch of the ASEAN TVET Friendly Match 2025 here today, Ahmad said TVET graduates possess skills and expertise that can open up entrepreneurial opportunities across various sectors. 'We do not want TVET graduates to only work for private companies, even if the salaries are high. Initially, they may be employees, but the goal is for them to eventually start their own businesses,' he said, citing electrical-related fields as an example of potential entrepreneurship. He welcomed the recent RM40 million additional funding for the National TVET Council and RM10 million for Melaka announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, describing it as a vital boost for TVET entrepreneurship development. Ahmad assured that the Works Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry will fully utilise the funds, including enhancing entrepreneurship curricula at institutions like the Malaysia Construction Academy (ABM), which is under the purview of Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), to produce 'techno-entrepreneurs'. The inaugural ASEAN TVET Friendly Match, themed 'Talent for Inclusivity and Sustainability', involves 40 youth from 12 countries, including six ASEAN members and six invited nations, competing in nine skill categories from June 24 to 27 across Kuala Lumpur.
Focus Malaysia
3 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Commerce.Asia Group continues to grow strength to strength amid Asia's e-commerce boom
THE Group has continued to power ahead as Malaysia's e-commerce industry surges into a new era of growth. Key to this strong momentum are innovations from within the group, particularly through CommercePay which simplifies digital payments for businesses of all sizes and LetMeStore whose smart warehousing solutions – including robotics and automated fulfilment – are transforming how brands manage logistics. Such strengths not only reflect technological depth but also the rising maturity of Malaysia's digital economy where online shopping has become a way of life for millions of consumers. According to group CEO Kuna Kathigesan, internal studies indicate that Malaysia's e-commerce market is currently valued at over RM51.73 bil and is projected to nearly double to RM101.35 bil by 2030 or growing at a compound annual rate of 14.3%. 'Smartphone penetration now exceeds 89% with more than 18 million Malaysians are expected to shop online by 2029,' he told the media on the sidelines of the OHSEM Marketing 360 event held recently at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. 'With digital behaviour increasingly normalised, e-commerce is no longer a niche channel but a core part of the nation's retail infrastructure.' Billed as Malaysia's largest integrated showcase of marketing and AI technologies, the event brought together over 2,000 professionals across digital marketing, branding, e-commerce and enterprise solutions. participated as the official e-commerce partner by anchoring key sessions and running hands-on product demos through its CommercePay unit. 'The entire theme of the event – smart marketing, smart technology, smart commerce – aligns with what we have built at justified CommercePay general manager Patricia Silvanus. 'We showed how you can go from campaign ideation all the way to order fulfilment and last-mile delivery – all within our ecosystem. 'That's the level of integration we offer – including robotic warehousing capabilities through LetMeStore which automates storage, picking and packing to help businesses scale faster.' In addition to CommercePay and LetMeStore, the group platform also includes SiteGiant, BizApp and Enterprise, among others. Collectively, they serve more than eight million SMEs across seven ASEAN markets by offering a unified stack of services spanning omnichannel storefronts, social commerce tools, logistics management and payment integration. This scale and inter-connectedness are what allows the Group to support clients at every stage of their digital journey – from micro-sellers to regional brands. As online retailers continues to expand their share of the total retail market – now estimated between 10% and 15% – the group is positioning itself as the default digital growth partner for Malaysian businesses. 'The line between offline and online retail has blurred,' observed Kuna. 'At we are empowering brands bridge that divide by offering a unified ecosystem that connects physical retail operations with digital storefronts, payments and fulfilment so businesses can meet customers wherever they are.' He added: 'Our mission is to level that playing field so that any business – regardless of size – can plug into the digital economy and thrive seamlessly and effortlessly.' – June 23, 2025
