TVET behind 40 per cent of technical workforce

KUCHING: Polytechnics and Community Colleges (POLYCC) have produced graduates who are competent and competitive in the job market, especially in the Industry Revolution 4.0 era.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said as of 2023, POLYCC had contributed to 40 per cent of the nation’s technical workforce.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of lecturers and the close collaboration between institutions, industries, and the government in ensuring vocational and technical education remains relevant and competitive,” he said.

He said this in his speech read by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis during the convocation ceremony at Dewan Jubli Perak, Politeknik, Kuching yesterday.  

Sagah said POLYCC graduates had also recorded an employability rate exceeding 90 per cent for three consecutive years which proved that polytechnic graduates remained the top choice and met employers’ needs.

“The scepticism towards POLYCC graduates is gradually diminishing, with more parents encouraging their children to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a further education option,” he said.

He added that POLYCC promoted innovation and entrepreneurship among students.

“The entrepreneurship training and courses offered create opportunities for graduates to generate income through entrepreneurship and create job opportunities for others.

“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed, prosperous and high-income state by 2030, with a focus on quality human capital development.” he said.

Sagah also said this aligned with the Malaysian Education Development Plan (2015 to 2025) with the aim to produce graduates who excelled not only academically but were also highly skilled and innovative.

“In efforts to develop local talent, the ministry also focuses on providing opportunities for industrial training, entrepreneurship programmes, and comprehensive professional development initiatives,” he said.

He also said that POLYCC played a crucial role in fulfilling Sarawak’s aspirations by collaborating with various industry sectors, ensuring its curriculum stayed aligned with current labour market needs.

“This also helps strengthen the link between education and industry, in line with POLYCC’s role as a driver of the nation’s Madani agenda, which strives to create an inclusive and dynamic educational ecosystem,” he said.

Earlier, the second session of the Sarawak Zone Politeknik and Kolej Komuniti convocation ceremony saw 422 graduates receiving their diplomas and certificates.