Kuala Lumpur, 30 July 2026: The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) today released its latest report, Youth Voices, Future Choices: Comparing Agriculture Aspirations, Perceptions, and Career Preferences Across Education Pathways in Malaysia. Authored by Priya Kaur Sachdev, Prof Dr M. Niaz Asadullah, Dr Stewart Nixon, and Naveen Mahasen, the study shows that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and early exposure to agriculture in schools are key drivers of young Malaysians’ interest in agricultural careers. However, while TVET students are more likely to consider careers in agriculture, they are no more likely than their non-TVET peers to aspire to modern agri-tech occupations, highlighting a disconnect between Malaysia’s agricultural modernisation ambitions and the aspirations of its future workforce.

Based on a nationwide survey of 14,305 students aged 15 to 16 across 88 public secondary schools (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan) and vocational colleges (Kolej Vokasional), the study examines how education pathways shape young people’s perceptions of agriculture and their willingness to pursue careers in the sector.

The findings come at a critical time as Malaysia advances its agricultural transformation agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (DAN 2.0), the Digital AgTech programme, and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), all of which seek to build a more productive, innovative, and resilient agricultural sector.

The study identified four key findings:

• TVET increases interest in agriculture, but not agri-tech. TVET students are significantly more likely than non-TVET students to pursue agricultural careers, but are no more likely to aspire to agri-tech occupations, suggesting TVET continues to channel students towards traditional rather than technology-driven agricultural careers.
• Early exposure matters. Studying agriculture-related subjects is one of the strongest predictors of interest in agricultural careers across both TVET and non-TVET students, highlighting the importance of curriculum exposure in shaping career aspirations.
• Skills, not just salaries, influence career choices. While higher salaries are the strongest incentive for pursuing agricultural careers, TVET students place greater value on training and skills development opportunities.
• Young people are looking beyond traditional agriculture. The majority of students, including those from agricultural households, aspire to work outside their parents’ economic sectors, underscoring the need to position agriculture as a modern, innovative, and attractive career for a new generation.

“Malaysia’s agricultural transformation will depend not only on technology, but also on whether young Malaysians see agriculture as a modern, innovative, and rewarding career. Strengthening education pathways, expanding industry exposure, and equipping young people with future-ready skills will be key to building the talent pipeline needed to transform Malaysia’s agricultural sector,” said Dr Stewart Nixon, Director of Research at IDEAS and co-author of the report.

Download the full report on our website

— ENDS —

Download the Media Statement PDF File Here

Untuk pertanyaan, sila hubungi:
Ryan Panicker
Pengurus, Advokasi dan Program
T: 03 – 2070 8881/8882 | E: ryannesh@ideas.org.my