The morning air in Batu Pahat carries a new sense of possibility as we witness Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) step into its role as a global catalyst for change. You’re about to discover how a prestigious UNESCO appointment is reshaping the future of technical and vocational education across four transformative domains. This isn’t just another academic milestone—it’s the beginning of a revolution that will touch educators and students worldwide.
UTHM Drives Transformation Through UNESCO Chair, Focusing on Four Key Areas of TVET Excellence
Catalyst
The transformation began with a significant recognition that would place UTHM among the world’s leading universities. On June 30, 2025, the institution was officially awarded the UNESCO Chair in TVET Educator Competencies and Cross-Cutting Skills for Professional Development, a mandate that extends until June 30, 2029.
This prestigious appointment positioned UTHM alongside elite global institutions entrusted by UNESCO to strengthen four critical areas: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), research, innovation, and educational leadership. The four-year appointment aligns perfectly with UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2029 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
At the helm of this ambitious initiative stands Professor Emeritus Dr. Jailani Md Yunos, an internationally recognized scholar whose expertise in TVET has earned global acclaim. His appointment as chair signals the beginning of a comprehensive transformation that extends far beyond traditional educational boundaries.
Rising Action
As the initiative gained momentum, Professor Jailani revealed the true scope of their mission. “This chair is not merely a title,” he explained, “but a mission built on three strategic objectives that will fundamentally reshape how we approach vocational education.”
The first challenge involved implementing comprehensive initiatives to strengthen cross-cutting skills, including digital safety awareness and ethical integration within the TVET context. Meanwhile, the team faced the complex task of incorporating green skills into educator training programs, ensuring instructors are equipped with sustainability knowledge and principles in their teaching practices.
Simultaneously, they embarked on developing holistic programs to foster gender diversity while cultivating an inclusive culture that promotes career advancement and leadership skills among TVET educators and students. These parallel initiatives created a multifaceted approach that demanded unprecedented coordination and innovation.
Turning Point
The realization struck that TVET needed to evolve from conventional training models into a dynamic platform based on innovation and inclusivity.
As Professor Jailani articulated the vision, a clear pathway emerged: “These three objectives serve as guidance for the UNESCO Chair’s core agenda in transforming TVET from conventional training models into a dynamic platform based on innovation, inclusiveness, and enhanced global relevance.”
The breakthrough came with understanding that this chair would serve as a catalyst for research-based solutions, international cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives benefiting educators, institutions, and TVET communities comprehensively. This pivotal moment shifted their approach from isolated improvements to systemic transformation.
Resolution
Today, UTHM joins an elite network that began in 1992 and now encompasses more than 950 chairs across 120 countries, all contributing to advances in education, science, and culture. In Malaysia, UTHM stands alongside prestigious institutions including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Asia Pacific University (APU), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), each holding chairs in diverse fields ranging from future studies and genetics to intercultural communication and sustainable water infrastructure.
“This chair will serve as a catalyst for research-based solutions, international cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives that benefit educators, institutions, and TVET communities comprehensively.”
The UNESCO Chair @ UTHM now focuses on four strategic areas that define the future of technical education:
- Green TVET and Sustainable Skills development
- Inclusive TVET with emphasis on gender, ethics, and institutional development
- TVET Digitalization initiatives
- Cross-Cutting Skills Development programs
Through this appointment, UTHM demonstrates unwavering commitment to transforming TVET through innovation, equality, and global cooperation. The UNESCO Chair represents a strategic achievement in shaping excellent, ethical, and competitive future education on the international stage.
As we look toward 2029 and beyond, this UNESCO Chair positions Malaysia at the forefront of global technical and vocational education transformation. The ripple effects of UTHM’s leadership will extend far beyond national borders, creating a legacy of innovation that empowers educators and learners worldwide to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and digitally-ready future.
