Kota Kinabalu: Vocational Colleges (KV) under the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) have produced more than 100,000 graduates since 2016.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the achievement reflects the success of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
He said the number of graduates had surpassed the target of 90,000 set under the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013–2025.
“Over the past decade of implementation, more than 103,000 young people have been produced as skilled human capital who now play an important role in the development of the national industry,” he said at the 10th Vocational College Convocation Ceremony for the Sabah Zone and the Federal Territory of Labuan 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji said the development shows that TVET is no longer a second choice but had become a mainstream education pathway.
He said it is now a preferred option among students.
He said public confidence in TVET is reflected in the increase in applications to vocational colleges, from 28,098 in 2022 to 58,263 in 2026.
He noted that this is compared to an intake capacity of 17,912 students.
“TVET is now the backbone of national workforce development, not merely producing certificate holders, but individuals who can add value to the economy through their skills and expertise,” he said.
He added that graduates must be prepared for changes in the global job landscape, including artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and the green economy.
He urged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and strengthen their skills through professional certification and industry experience.
Some 1,000 graduates from eight vocational colleges in the Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan were honoured at the ceremony.
Of this number, 520 graduates received their certificates in the first session presented by Dr Joachim.
The programmes included Early Childhood Education, Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Welding Technology, Construction Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Industrial Machining Technology and Agroindustry (Ruminant Livestock).
Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim from Keningau Vocational College received the Best Academic Award for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education, along with a certificate, plaque and RM1,000 cash prize.
A further 480 graduates will receive their diplomas in a second session to be presented by Sabah Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk James Ratib.
Also present was Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Division (BPLTV) Ts Zulkernai Fauzi.
