KUALA LUMPUR (July 27): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government, through the Social Security Organisation (Socso), has allocated RM42 million for the career building programme — the Bina Kerjaya Programme — which is aimed at upskilling informal workers, including gig workers with qualifications of SPM and below.

“We need to provide lifelong learning pathways in whatever skills the rakyat want to learn, whether it's in universities, TVET (technical and vocational education and training institutions), or through necessary micro-credentials," said Anwar.

This is because the government recognises the fact that the global economy is constantly changing and hence, there is a need for a more progressive lifelong learning approach for all Malaysians.

To better meet the needs of the country's development, he said its education system needs to be more demand-driven, especially in strengthening cooperation with industries and employers, particularly in the implementation of TVET, as practised in institutions like the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC).

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said this when announcing the Ekonomi Madani: Memperkasa Rakyat (Madani Economy: Empowering the Rakyat) initiative on Thursday (July 27).

Anwar reiterated that education is the fundamental right of every citizen, and that efforts must be undertaken to address the rising number of children dropping out of the education system. He also stressed that basic skills such as reading, writing, counting and reasoning are crucial to ensure children are not left behind.

As such, he said the government will continue to provide a conducive school environment and the best facilities for children. 

Various efforts have been made, he noted, which can be seen in terms of increased allocations, the streamlining of procurement procedures, the decentralisation of implementation authority to accelerate school projects and efforts to improve dilapidated schools. 

At the same time, the National Digital Network (Jendela) project will be continued to ensure that all schools are equipped with internet, he added.

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