[Source: Training Guide 8th Ed.]

• Introduction
• The Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) 2006-2010
• The 5 Key Thrusts of the 9MP
• Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) under 9MP
• Human Capital Development Policy Thrusts of the 9MP
• Allocation of Education & Training Fund under the 9MP
• Statistics on Education & Training & Occupational Structure 2000-2010
• Prospects of TVET under the 9MP
• The Preparation for New Developments in TVET
• Conclusion

Malaysia�s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the past 48 years has shown a marked improvement, having grown by an average of 6.5% per annum from 1957 to 2005. 1957 being the year of independence for Malaysia, the growth is considered one of the highest growth rates achieved by sovereign nations of similar age and size. During the same period, the country�s GDP per capita in current prices grew by 7% per annum. This means substantial improvements in the people�s quality of life. Widespread advances have been made in education, health, infrastructure and industry. With strong self-determination from the nation, a national identity and national pride have been forged.

The Malaysian economy grew at an average rate of 6.2% per annum during the 1991 � 2005 period. This strong rate of growth was achieved despite the challenges faced from events such as the 1997 � 1998 Asian financial crisis and other natural and man-made catastrophes throughout the world like the outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian fl u as well as increases in world oil prices. Labour and capital-intensive modes of development have given way to productivity and knowledge-based growth.

The economy evolved from capital-led growth in 1991 to growth based more evenly on capital, labour and total factor productivity (TFP�) in 2005. Malaysia�s economic structure continued to develop from manufacturing to services. Further growth in the knowledge-based service industries can be seen with the establishment of the Multimedia Super Corridor in 1996, followed by other initiatives such as the National Biotechnology Policy launched in 2005. Thus, despite challenges and global competition, Malaysia remains steadfast in its determination towards becoming a strong, developed and united nation.

The drive that made these achievements possible was the 3 key national policy frameworks, namely

• The New Economic Policy (NEP) 1971 � 1990
• The National Development Policy (NDP) 1991 � 2000
• The National Vision Policy (NVP) 2001 � 2010