Polytechnics producing many highly successful grads

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Polytechnics are no longer an option just for students who failed to excel in their studies now that these educational institutions have produced many quality graduates to meet the needs of the current job market.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Senator Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad said this could also be seen in the many polytechnic graduates who have succeeded in their chosen fields.

"Industry partners of polytechnics are also vital to producing highly skilled TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) graduates.

"This is because sharing expertise in various joint ventures with industry partners can help TVET students achieve the level of skills required to meet the needs of the current job market," he said here today.

He said this when speaking at the Certificate of Collaboration (CoC) signing ceremony between the Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic (PKK) and nine companies from various sectors to share expertise and various joint ventures for the benefit of both parties at PKK here.

The companies are Ria Academy & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, Sabah Islamic Religious Council, Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation Sdn Bhd, KKIP Aerospace Training Centre, Koperasi Wawasan Rakyat Sabah Bhd, AMC College, KKIP Sdn Bhd and Kebabangan Petroleum Operating Company Sdn Bhd.

Also present at the ceremony were director of Competency and Career Development Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education Zainab Othman and PKK director Dullah Muluk.

Ahmad Masrizal said that such collaboration could bridge the gap between the quality of graduates and the needs of the industry, help the country reduce its dependence on foreign labour and make TVET the main choice for students.

He said the collaboration with industry players through shared expertise would surely guide the students to improve their skills in line with technological developments.

"I hope more industry players will provide opportunities for strategic collaboration to be carried out, especially with industry partners in the TVET field,” he said.

-- BERNAMA