TVET-TAHFIZ INTEGRATION IN KEDAH: A LITERATURE REVIEW

The integration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with Tahfiz education is an emerging educational initiative that aims to produce holistic graduates who are competent in both religious and technical disciplines. In Kedah, such integration is seen as a strategic response to address the socio-economic needs of Tahfiz students by enhancing their employability while preserving their religious identity. Despite its potential, several critical challenges impede effective implementation. These include inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of dual-trained educators, limited financial support, societal stigma towards vocational training, and the absence of a standardized curriculum that balances religious and vocational components. Therefore, this study aims to critically examine the existing body of literature on TVET-Tahfiz integration in Kedah, with a focus on identifying implementation barriers, reviewing past and current efforts, and proposing strategic recommendations for future development. Adopting a qualitative literature review methodology, data were collected from scholarly articles, books, proceedings, and institutional reports. Thematic analysis was employed to extract recurring themes and insights. The findings suggest that although various initiatives have been introduced, the integration process remains fragmented and constrained by structural and socio-cultural factors. This paper highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to develop a sustainable, well-supported integration framework. The study contributes to the academic discourse on educational transformation and provides foundational insights to guide future policy, curriculum design, and empirical research in Islamic vocational education.