Kota Kinabalu: The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) recognised two outstanding Sabahan graduates with the CIDB Construction TVET Icon Award during the Graduation Ceremony of Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) and CIDB Technologies Sabah, recently.
The awards were presented by CIDB Malaysia Chairman Datuk Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab, who emphasised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a vital platform for producing skilled, competitive and high-income talent for the nation.
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One of the recipients, Syahril Mohd Ariffin, 42, an alumnus of ABM Sabah, pursued TVET immediately after completing his SPM by enrolling in Architectural Drafting and obtaining the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP).
Beginning his career as a draughtsman, Syahril steadily advanced in the construction industry before becoming a site supervisor and later securing his current role as a Civil and Structure Inspector with Petronas.
The second recipient, Richard Jupilin, 25, a graduate of CIDB Technologies Sabah in Blasting & Painting and Welding, represents a new generation of globally competitive TVET professionals.
Richard currently works with an offshore company in Dubai specialising in Rope Access and previously gained work experience in Spain, highlighting the growing international demand for Malaysian skilled workers.
CIDB said the achievements of both recipients reflect the growing strength of Malaysia’s construction TVET ecosystem in producing highly skilled professionals capable of competing globally.
During the ceremony, 150 graduates received the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP), marking their readiness to meet workforce demands within the construction industry in Sabah and nationwide.
Additionally, 12 graduates received the Excellent Graduate Award in recognition of their achievements, while nine strategic industry partners were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their continued collaboration in supporting skilled workforce development.
CIDB Malaysia Senior General Manager Suhaimi Mansor said construction TVET programmes continue to be strengthened through a balance of theoretical learning and practical exposure to modern technologies to ensure graduates remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
Suhaimi also encouraged more youths to pursue TVET as a primary career pathway while urging industry players to prioritise local skilled talent to reduce dependence on foreign labour.
In line with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda, CIDB Malaysia is developing a new ABM Sabah campus in Kampung Beringgis, Papar, involving an investment of RM130.6 million.
Built on a 50-acre site and expected to be completed in 2027, the campus will be among the largest ABM campuses in Malaysia and capable of accommodating up to 700 trainees at one time.
