Blackpink, the world-famous K-pop girl group, is holding a concert in Malaysia tonight at Bukit Jalil stadium, expected to thrill thousands of fans with their catchy songs, dazzling choreography, and stunning visuals. But behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, there’s also a story of how TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) played a crucial role in making the concert a success. In this article, we’ll explore how TVET skills are essential in the entertainment industry and how Malaysia is investing in TVET to empower its youth and boost its economy.
First, let’s look at some facts about Blackpink and their concert in Malaysia. Blackpink is a South Korean girl group formed in 2016, consisting of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They have gained worldwide popularity with their catchy songs such as “Kill This Love,” “How You Like That,” and “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” as well as their unique fashion and dance style. In January 2019, they became the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella, a music festival in the US. Their concert in Malaysia, held on February 23, 2019, at Malawati Indoor Stadium, Shah Alam, was part of their “In Your Area” world tour, which also included other Asian cities such as Bangkok, Jakarta, and Hong Kong.
Now, let’s see how TVET skills are involved in the making of such a high-profile concert. TVET refers to education and training that focuses on acquiring practical skills and knowledge for a specific job or career, usually in the technical, mechanical, electrical, or service sectors. In the entertainment industry, TVET skills are essential for various roles, such as sound and lighting technicians, stagehands, carpenters, electricians, riggers, camera operators, makeup artists, costume designers, and many others. Without TVET-trained professionals, it would be impossible to set up and run a concert of Blackpink’s scale and complexity.
For example, the stage design and construction require TVET skills such as welding, carpentry, and metalworking. The lighting and sound systems involve TVET skills such as electrical engineering, audiovisual technology, and digital programming. The visual effects and pyrotechnics involve TVET skills such as 3D animation, motion graphics, and special effects. The logistics and security involve TVET skills such as crowd management, first aid, and emergency response. All these skills require not only technical knowledge but also creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, which are also taught in TVET programs.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Malaysia, like many other countries, is investing in TVET to develop its human capital and competitiveness. The Malaysian government has set a target of achieving 50% TVET enrolment among secondary school leavers by 2025, up from the current 38%. It has also established various TVET institutions and programs, such as the National Dual Training System (NDTS) or commonly known as Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN), the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN), and the Skills Development Fund Corporation (SDC), to provide training and certification for TVET skills. Furthermore, Malaysia has hosted various international events and competitions, such as the ASEAN Skills Competition and the National TVET Youth Skills Day, to showcase its TVET excellence and innovation.
In conclusion, the Blackpink concert in Malaysia is not only a testament to the group’s talent and popularity but also to the TVET skills and efforts behind the scenes. By highlighting the importance of TVET skills in the entertainment industry, we can inspire more young people to pursue TVET careers and contribute to the growth of their countries’ economies.
