PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today envisioned a future where a graduate of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system could one day become Malaysia’s prime minister.

Speaking at the launch of the Idea Festival here, Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, championed a paradigm shift where vocational training is no longer seen as a second-tier option but as a key pillar in shaping the nation’s leaders.

“Who says TVET cannot do it? I believe that TVET graduates can become national leaders, maybe even the prime minister of Malaysia in the future,” he said in his speech.

To illustrate his point, Zahid cited Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a prime example of a global leader who rose from a technical training background, recalling his pride in meeting him at a recent international summit.

He said that skills and real-world competencies must become the “new currency” of Malaysia’s progress, valued more highly than paper qualifications. 

“This is our hope,” he said.

Zahid clarified that the government’s push for TVET excellence is not meant to sideline the existing education system, but to embrace a more inclusive and practical approach to learning. 

“We will defend, but let’s accept the new reality,” he urged.