Talkback Thursday: Why aren't people receptive to the idea of technical education and vocational training?

The 10th Malaysia Plan is pushing for reforms, amongst them to develop and retain a first-world talent base. This includes revamping the education system to significantly raise student outcomes and raising the skills of Malaysians to increase employability. And the spotlight is on technical education and vocational training - unfortunately, lowly deemed by students as the only fall back plan for school drop outs, hence becoming the unattractive option to help propel their career prospects. With a 10th Malaysia Plan target of having a 50% skilled workforce by 2020, it is clear that this will never be met for a combination of reasons - including the discriminatory reaction to technical education. What needs to be done to change people's mindsets?