TVET core contributing element to Malaysia’s development, says Abg Johari

SIBU (Sept 15): The technical and vocational education and training (TVET) will continue to play a vital role in producing highly-skilled human capital, meant towards driving the country’s development, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He deemed TVET as ‘a tool to address the issue of dependency on foreign workers, and the mismatch between the supply of graduates and the industry demand’.

“The world is now moving fast with Industrial Revolution 4.0, and TVET is the key to our future,” he said in his speech for the 16th Politeknik Mukah’s convocation yesterday.

The Premier’s text-of-speech was read by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

A total of 496 graduates received their scrolls at the event.

Adding on, Abang Johari stressed that it was not only the country’s efforts to elevate TVET, but it had also become the main agenda at the global level.

“The world is now facing automation and digitisation changes, for which TVET is the key to winning this educational race.

“I believe Politeknik Mukah is capable of becoming a TVET centre that continues to remain relevant in playing its role in producing high skilled workforce,” he said, adding that such commitment would complement the Ministry of Higher Education’s goal of making Malaysia a global education hub, especially in TVET-based studies.

According to Abang Johari, with TVET gaining more recognition, there are now 36 polytechnics and 106 Community Colleges (PolyCCs) nationwide.

The Premier also lauded Politeknik Mukah’s graduate employability rate, which stood at 96.5 per cent last year.

“Such accomplishment signifies PolyCC’s contribution towards increasing the employability level of TVET graduates in Sarawak.

“The programmes carried out in PolyCC are relevant in meeting the needs of the industry, and we need to ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge so that they can compete in an increasingly challenging and flexible job market.”

The Premier also commended Politeknik Mukah for providing a balanced education.

“The polytechnic not only focuses on academic pursuits, but also on the students’ interpersonal and soft skills development.

“It seems that TVET in Sarawak, including at Politeknik Mukah, is moving forward with the aim of meeting the needs of the local and global industries.

“These programmes aim to strengthen the state’s economic ecosystem by producing a quality and competitive workforce, in line with the vision of Malaysia Madani that prioritises holistic development.

“With holistic and innovative TVET education at Politeknik Mukah, we not only produce technically excellent graduates, but also future leaders who are able to face global challenges with integrity and justice.

“Education is a powerful weapon to change the world, symbolising the civilisation of a nation or a country. So it is not surprising that every year, our country also sets a fairly large budget for the education sector,” he added.