TVET Skills A Valuable Defence Asset, POLYCC Students Urged To Join Territorial Army

IPOH, June 14 (Bernama) -- Polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) nationwide have been encouraged to continue strengthening student participation in the Territorial Army, with TVET skills regarded as a valuable asset to national defence, deputy army chief Lt Gen Datuk Mohamad Suria Mohamad Saad said.

He said that in an era where security threats are becoming increasingly complex and extend beyond traditional dimensions, the country requires versatile human capital, a quality that polytechnic and community college students possess.

“As credible members of the Territorial Army, you bring with you TVET backgrounds and diverse areas of expertise, including civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, commerce, information technology and hospitality.

“For the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in general, and the Malaysian Army (TDM) in particular, your backgrounds and expertise are highly impactful and extremely valuable. TVET graduates make up more than 45 per cent of the workforce currently serving the nation. Imagine the impact if this vast potential were actively harnessed through the reserve force in defence of the country’s sovereignty,” he said.

Mohamad Suria said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of the 17th Malaysian Polytechnic Territorial Army Annual Camp (MALPTAAC) 2026 at Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) here today.

He said the nation needs young people, particularly those who are courageous, possess integrity and demonstrate resilience, to become future leaders.

“As the provider of this platform, the TDM, through its Reserve Force Division, will remain committed to delivering training modules that are relevant, high-quality and effective.

“Our objective is simple - to ensure that each of you receives the most valuable military training and experience so that you are prepared to serve as soldiers who are willing to lay down their lives in defence of the nation,” he said.

The 17th MALPTAAC 2026 was held from June 1 to 15 at PUO, jointly hosted by the 503rd Regiment (Territorial Army) with support from the TDM and the Polytechnic and Community College Education Department (JPPKK).

This year’s edition also marked the 25th anniversary of MALPTAAC, a significant milestone in the development of TVET students. PUO was selected as the venue in recognition of its historical significance as host of the inaugural MALPTAAC, as well as its comprehensive facilities and capability to accommodate large-scale programmes.

The programme involved 1,000 students and secretariat members from across the country, all of whom successfully completed the annual camp training, which included four competitions - marching, obstacle crossing, shooting proficiency and multi-relay events - as well as Operations in Built-Up Area (OBUA) training.

Today's ceremony also saw the presentation of the Overall Champion Challenge Trophy for MALPTAAC Series 17/2026 to PUO in recognition of its outstanding overall performance in discipline, teamwork, leadership and achievements across all competition categories.

-- BERNAMA