Evolution and Trends of TVET in Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential for Malaysia’s economic development and workforce readiness. Existing studies often focus on specific issues, lacking a comprehensive overview of the sector. This study systematically reviews literature published between 2020 and 2026 on the evolution and trends of TVET in Malaysia. The review covers development milestones, system challenges, sector transformation, and stakeholder expectations. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 105 articles were selected from Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and national repositories. Review papers comprised the largest proportion (55, 52.37%). They were followed by qualitative (24, 22.86%), quantitative (19, 18.10%), and mixed methods studies (7, 6.67%). Findings indicate that Malaysia’s TVET system has evolved from a trade-based training approach to a structured and coordinated skills ecosystem. Key developments include the expansion of vocational institutions, the establishment of national qualification frameworks, and governance reforms. Challenges include governance fragmentation, skills mismatches, limited resources, and societal perceptions of TVET as a secondary pathway. Recent policies emphasise coordinated governance, industry collaboration, competency-based training, and integration of digital and green skills. Future research is recommended to examine graduate outcomes and assess programme effectiveness. This will address policy needs and support institutional improvement.