Research has documented that vocational education and training (VET) is critical to Malaysia's industrial development. Rapid technological changes and increased global competition have exacerbated the challenges associated with delivery of quality VET in Malaysia. The barriers to improving VET in Malaysia and ways of overcoming those barriers, improving Malaysia's VET system, and furthering the professional development of VET educators were therefore explored. Best practices in school-to-work, college preparation, VET, and lifelong learning were reviewed. The following were among the 13 recommendations presented: (1) the government and private sector should maintain and expand VET in Malaysia; (2) the government should seek input from numerous stakeholders, including educators, business/industry, parents, students, and academicians, before formulating major policy decisions regarding VET; (3) the school curriculum should emphasize a balanced approach through integration of technical, employability, and generalizable skills in VET programs; (4) establishment and maintenance of quality standards for VET programs should be emphasized; (5) VET educators must receive additional professional development opportunities; (6) issues of dissatisfaction among VET educators must be addressed at all levels of government; (7) VET programs should incorporate entrepreneurship and business training; and (8) public and private sector leaders must acknowledge the importance of R&D. (Contains 27 references.) (MN)