PUTRAJAYA, Sept 12 — The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) provides avenues and opportunities for graduates with disabilities, including those with autism, to enter the workforce, including the public service, after completing their studies at the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institutes (ILKBS).

Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said the ministry maintained data on ILKBS graduates and alumni each year to track their career paths, with most securing opportunities in the industry, as well as in the private and public sectors.

“We (KBS) want to support this effort to ensure that the target of having at least one per cent of persons with disabilities in the public service is achieved.

“At Menara KBS itself, we provide opportunities for them to operate a cafe and provide services. That is one example,” he told reporters after attending the 21st ILKBS Convocation Ceremony 2026 here today.

Mohammed Taufiq said 4,155 graduates received their certificates at this year’s convocation after completing diploma, advanced certificate and skills certificate programmes in various fields offered by ILKBS, including 130 youths with disabilities and autism.

He said one of ILKBS’ advantages was that 20 per cent of the overall learning at its institutions focused on character development and identity, while the remaining 80 per cent centred on skills, including graduates’ participation in community programmes as a way of giving back to society.

He also welcomed the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2.0, saying the ministry would continue to empower youth and sports skills training institutions, including through collaborations with industry players.

He said that, so far, 180 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) had been signed with various parties and industry players to bolster cooperation in TVET, including the automotive and electrical sectors, which were among those with high demand.

“We have active cooperation with industry players. The automotive and electrical fields have the highest demand, and we are also exploring more new industries that are growing rapidly. We want to ensure that we provide these spaces and opportunities to our students. So, the total number of 180 MoUs could increase,” he added.

Mohammed Taufiq also urged ILKBS graduates not to only target job opportunities domestically but to also look at the potential of overseas markets, including the Asean region, which has a population of around 700 million.

“Graduates need to keep pace with current developments, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, and should not merely seek employment but also be capable of creating jobs,” he said, adding that ILKBS currently recorded a graduate employability rate of 97 per cent.

Meanwhile, recipient of the ILKBS Overall Best Graduate Award, Muhammad Haffiz Rahim, described the recognition as a sweet moment that would remain etched in his mind, adding that he wanted to further develop his potential to make the most of his talents and repay his parents for their sacrifices.

The 25-year-old, the eldest of four siblings, completed a Diploma in Automotive Maintenance Engineering Technology at the National Youth Advanced Skills Institute (IKTBN) Temerloh, and said he aspired to go further by securing a job in the public sector, specifically with KBS.

Hailing from Bentong, Pahang, he said his success through the TVET pathway had also motivated him to share his experience and encourage his relatives to pursue the field, which he described as offering bright prospects in terms of employment opportunities.

“TVET is a very good field and has a bright future in terms of employment opportunities. If there is an opportunity, I hope to work with KBS, especially in managing programmes such as National Sports Day and National Youth Day,” he added. — Bernama

* Editor’s note: The initials KBS stands for Kementerian Belia dan Sukan in Malay while ILKBS stands for Institut Latihan Kemahiran Belia dan Sukan.