Sultan Nazrin Shah Maritime Polytechnic Poised For Global Excellence - DPM Ahmad Zahid

BAGAN DATUK, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The Sultan Nazrin Shah Maritime Polytechnic is poised to become a premier higher education institution, a producer of highly skilled manpower and a catalyst for globally competitive maritime technology development.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the institution, previously known as Bagan Datuk Polytechnic, is expected to emerge as the West Coast’s Centre of Excellence for Maritime Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“I hope the polytechnic will one day become an innovation-driven learning hub that nurtures globally competitive seafarers, engineers and maritime technocrats,” he said in his speech at the polytechnic’s proclamation ceremony graced by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin and Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, today.

Present were Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. 

Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, noted that Malaysia, as a maritime nation with more than 4,800 kilometres of coastline, relies heavily on the sector for trade, security, tourism, fisheries and economic growth.

In fact, he said Perak River has a rich maritime history linked to the tin trade and domestic and international transport.

“At the same time, Bagan Datuk’s strategic estuary position aligns with its role as a deep-sea fisheries hub under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Zambry, in his address, said the national maritime sector is entering a new phase of growth encompassing ship engineering, marine technology, automation, port logistics, maintenance and ocean sustainability, all demanding high technical expertise and continuous innovation.

“International reports project a 4.7 per cent annual growth for the global maritime industry, with over 80 per cent of world trade transported by sea.

“In the next five years, more than 40,000 high-skilled jobs in maritime and logistics are expected to emerge, creating vast opportunities for Malaysia’s TVET graduates,” he said.

-- BERNAMA