April 2026
80% Hiring Rate, 66% Outperformance: German TVET Programme Delivers Measurable Workforce Gains in Malaysia
Strong hiring, outperformance and early career progression underscore GDVT’s industry impact
Key Findings at a Glance
- 80% of GDVT graduates offered full-time employment, with 66% outperforming non-GDVT hires, latest training companies survey shows.
- 100% employer satisfaction on cultural fit and programme recommendation.
- 50% of graduates promoted, with accelerated career progression observed as early as six months.
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2026 — With 80% of graduates securing full-time employment, 66% outperforming their non-GDVT peers, and 100% of employers affirming strong cultural fit, the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programme is delivering measurable workforce outcomes for industry, according to the latest GDVT Employer’s Survey.
The programme, offered by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) for over a decade, is the only programme in Malaysia authorised to deliver and certify German dual vocational training according to German industry standards, ensuring an authentic and quality-assured pathway for companies and trainees. Modelled on Germany’s dual system and widely regarded as a “secret weapon” behind its economic success, it combines practical, on-the-job training with structured theoretical education to produce a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce. This ensures that participating companies benefit from a programme that is fully aligned with German industry standards, in contrast to non-certified or adapted models in the market.
Performance is already evident during training. All employers surveyed rate GDVT trainees positively, with 71.4% describing performance as good and 28.6% as excellent. Productivity is similarly strong, with 42.9% of trainees considered highly productive and 57.1% moderately productive. Employers consistently cite strengths across teamwork, adaptability, communication, discipline, technical capability and safety awareness, pointing to a cohort that is both technically prepared and operationally reliable.
"In Germany, we’ve seen for decades what happens when you trust young people with real responsibility from day one: they rise to it. That’s exactly what we’re seeing here in Malaysia. Our graduates aren’t just filling positions; they’re earning promotions, outperforming their peers, and building careers that companies actively invest in. As Malaysia works to strengthen TVET as a first-choice pathway, this is the kind of outcome that shows what’s possible when training is meaningfully aligned with industry,” said Hannes Farlock, Executive Director of MGCC.
That readiness translates directly into hiring outcomes. Four in five graduates (80%) are offered full-time roles by their host companies, reducing recruitment friction and onboarding time. Once in the workforce, GDVT graduates continue to differentiate themselves, with two-thirds (66%) reported to outperform non-GDVT hires, reflecting their applied training and familiarity with real-world environments.
Integration into the workplace is near-frictionless. All surveyed companies report strong cultural fit, with graduates adapting quickly to organisational norms and team dynamics, supporting retention and long-term workforce stability.
Career progression is both visible and accelerated. Half of GDVT graduates (50%) have already been promoted, in some cases within six months of joining full-time. Employers report progression into roles such as Assistant Engineers and Engineers, alongside rapid advancement into senior positions, including double promotions to E-level engineer roles shortly after completing a two-year service bond.
The programme is also delivering on higher-order skills. Seven in 10 employers (70%) report that graduates apply problem-solving skills effectively in real-world contexts, enabling early contributions to operational improvements.
For companies, the commercial case is clear: improved workforce readiness, shorter onboarding cycles, higher productivity, stronger technical competence, better cultural alignment and improved retention. Reflecting this, 100% of surveyed companies recommend the programme, reinforcing GDVT’s position as a scalable solution to industry’s talent needs.
Participating companies in the survey include BBS Automation, VAT Manufacturing, Inari Technology, Koerber, Bauer, Schott, Robert Bosch & B. Braun.
End of release
December 2025
90% of German companies expect stable conditions in Malaysia for 2026 despite global trade turbulence
Despite global economic volatility and uneven US trade impacts, German companies in Malaysia report strong confidence, stable investments, and positive hiring plans, according to the latest AHK World Business Outlook Survey.
The latest AHK World Business Outlook Survey Fall 2025 of German companies operating in Malaysia shows steady confidence in the Malaysian market despite persistent global economic uncertainties. The results indicate that German–Malaysian business relations remain robust, with companies largely optimistic about their local development heading into 2026.
German companies in Malaysia continue to demonstrate stability and resilience, with 87% rating their current business situation as “good and satisfactory”.
July 2025
MGCC appoints Infineon’s Florian Herrmann as new president for 2025–2027 term
The new board was elected during MGCC’s 34th Annual General Meeting last week.
The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Florian Herrmann as its new President for the 2025– 2027 term. Mr. Herrmann, who brings extensive leadership experience and a strong track record of advancing German-Malaysian business ties, was officially elected at MGCC’s Annual General Meeting held on 26 June 2025.
Mr. Herrmann currently serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and has been an active contributor to MGCC’s strategic initiatives over the past years, serving as MGCC Treasurer in the previous term.
July 2025
German businesses in Malaysia remain strongly optimistic amid global uncertainties
The latest World Business Outlook Survey reveals high confidence in local market and growth prospects amid ongoing global headwinds.
German companies operating in Malaysia remain highly confident in the country’s business environment, according to the latest World Business Outlook Spring 2025 Survey conducted by the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC). The survey reveals that 91% of German businesses rate their current business situation in Malaysia as “good” or “satisfactory”, underscoring sustained optimism despite a volatile global economic landscape.
The biannual survey, part of a global initiative by the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK), captures the outlook of German businesses in over 90 countries. This latest edition reflects a growing sense of resilience, with 93% of respondents expecting business conditions in Malaysia to remain the same or improve over the next 12 months — a 30% increase compared to 2024. This jump signals a rebound in sentiment and renewed trust in Malaysia’s position as a stable and attractive business destination.
May 2025
German aerospace and aviation delegation explores business opportunities in Malaysia
This initiative offers Malaysian aerospace companies a unique platform to engage with German experts and explore high-impact collaborations.
The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is hosting a German aerospace and aviation delegation from 26 to 30 May 2025. The delegation will bring together leading German technology providers and Malaysian industry players for a week-long engagement focused on innovation, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration.
This initiative, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) under the Market Development Programme, aims to foster meaningful connections between the two countries’ aerospace sectors. Through this delegation, MGCC is creating a dynamic platform for business networking, technological exchange, and the development of long-term partnerships.
May 2025
Bridge to the German market: Trade and investment agency NRW.Global Business opens ASEAN Service Desk in Kuala Lumpur
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany’s most important economic region, is strengthening its international presence in Southeast Asia. The state-owned trade and investment agency, NRW.Global Business is opening a new ASEAN Service Desk in Kuala Lumpur to signal the intensification of economic relations between NRW and the ASEAN countries. The official opening took place today as part of a business roundtable with the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC).
March 2025
Malaysia and Germany: Seizing Business Opportunities Through Malaysia’s ASEAN Leadership
As Malaysia takes on the chairmanship of ASEAN, the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) sees immense potential for businesses in both Malaysia and Germany to capitalise on the region’s growing economic integration. This leadership presents a significant opportunity to foster deeper trade relationships, encourage sustainable growth, and propel digital transformation, creating new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth.
November 2024
German businesses in Malaysia show strong optimism for 2025, driven by economic stability and growth potential
The latest AHK World Business Outlook Fall 2024 survey reveals robust confidence among German companies in Malaysia, with 97% of respondents expecting a stable and positive economic outlook for 2025
June 2024
MGCC appoints third female President
The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) has appointed leading intellectual property expert Geetha Kandiah as its third female president in its 33-year history
May 2024
World Business Outlook Spring 2024
Results of a survey of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad, Delegations and Representative offices