- Malaysia plans to strengthen MJII as a talent hub with Japan, linking education institutions directly with industry needs
- Focus on TVET, skills training, and job-ready graduates, including technopreneurs and future business creators
- Aim to expand opportunities in AI, automation, and green tech, preparing youth for high-growth and future-facing industries
Malaysia is looking to deepen education and industry collaboration with Japan by strengthening the Mara-Japan Industrial Institute (MJII) as a key platform for skills development and employment. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said MJII can play a bigger role in preparing job-ready talent if Japanese companies take part more actively in training, mentoring, and hiring graduates.
Speaking at the 7th Mara-OISCA International Business Forum 2026 in Langkawi, Zahid emphasized that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains central to Malaysia’s development strategy. He said the country aims to produce not only skilled workers but also technopreneurs who can build businesses, develop technology, and create jobs.
Zahid highlighted Japan as a natural partner due to its strengths in precision engineering, automation, and green innovation. He noted that digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable industries are transforming the global economy, making skills and adaptability more valuable than natural resources alone.
He called for Malaysia-Japan cooperation to move beyond traditional manufacturing and focus on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, digital innovation, AI, robotics, and sustainable rural industries. These sectors, he said, will define future jobs and economic competitiveness.
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Zahid also pointed to the success of Mara-OISCA collaboration, which has trained over 1,000 Malaysian youths in Japan and supported skills programs for more than 3,000 participants in Malaysia. Around 70 percent of these trainees have secured private-sector jobs, many with Japanese multinational companies.
The forum brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss education-led growth and long-term workforce development.
