International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE)
Vol 15, No 2: April 2026

Policies and governance for skills development in the fourth industrial revolution

Saari, Mohd Aizuddin (Unknown)
Jalaludin, Nur Atiqah (Unknown)
Rasul, Mohamad Sattar (Unknown)
Mhd Salim, Mohamad Hidir (Unknown)
Ashari, Zool Hilmi Mohamed (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Apr 2026

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has intensified policy concerns regarding the capacity of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems to support future workforce development. While national strategies increasingly emphasize skills development for industry 4.0, less attention has been paid to the governance mechanisms that shape policy coherence and implementation. This study examines skills governance within Malaysia’s TVET system, focusing on how policy alignment, quality assurance (QA), institutional coordination, and industry engagement influence workforce readiness for the 4IR. Adopting a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group discussions (FGD) with key stakeholders from government agencies, industry, and TVET institutions, and analyzed thematically. The findings identify four key governance dimensions which are security procedures and policies in managing skills data, QA and standards, collaboration policy between institution and industry, and strengthens curriculum developments. Despite strong policy commitments, fragmented governance arrangements continue to constrain the effectiveness of skills development initiatives. By reframing skills development as a governance challenge, this study contributes to policy futures debates and offers insights for strengthening integrated and future-ready TVET governance frameworks in developing economies undergoing rapid socio technical transformation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJERE

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) is an interdisciplinary publication of original research and writing on education which publishes papers to international audiences of educational researchers. The IJERE aims to provide a forum for scholarly understanding of ...