Parliament has approved the National Skills Development Act (Amendment) 2025 [Act 652], a key reform aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) ecosystem to meet future industry demand.
The bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 3, 2025, and approved by the Dewan Negara on Dec 16, 2025.
The amendments empower the Department of Skills Development (JPK) under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to implement 15 key provisions focused on producing a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce aligned with a high-technology economy.
Key measures include an expanded National Skills Development Council (MPKK) with broader ministerial representation, greater flexibility to recognise non-NOSS training programmes for funding under the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK), and longer accreditation periods of up to six years for high-performing training providers.
The bill also introduces the Malaysian Modular Skills Certificate (SKMM) to support short-term, flexible training and lifelong learning, alongside new recognition categories for local experts Skills Expert, Senior Skills Expert and Skills Consultant.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Haji Mohamad said the new certifications would elevate local expertise to internationally comparable standards, strengthening Malaysia’s workforce competitiveness.
The amendments position TVET as a key pillar in Malaysia’s transition towards high-value, technology-driven industries.
