SMKA Jempol to be first religious-stream TVET school

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Jempol will become Malaysia’s first religious-stream school to offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with construction underway on a RM98 million facility expected to be completed in three years. This initiative aims to integrate industry-relevant skills into religious education, supporting national development goals and providing students with a holistic learning environment that includes multilingual proficiency and character building.

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Jempol is set to become Malaysia’s first religious-stream school to offer Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), marking a significant development in the country’s education landscape. The new institution is being constructed on a 14.22-hectare site with an allocated budget of RM98 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The project, which launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 25, 2026, is expected to be completed within three years.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek emphasized that TVET, previously available only at vocational colleges and regular schools, will now be integrated into SMKA Jempol’s curriculum, making it the first SMKA to adopt this approach. The initiative aims to align education with both industry demands and national development priorities. The fully residential school will feature comprehensive facilities, including an administration block, an academic block with 25 classrooms, laboratories, workshops, a library, a hall, a canteen, a prayer hall, and student hostels accommodating up to 720 students.

In addition to technical training, the ministry is promoting multilingual proficiency among students in religious schools to enhance the effectiveness of dakwah, or Islamic outreach. Citing SMKA Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin in Penang, Malaysia’s first recognized ‘dakwah school,’ Fadhlina highlighted the importance of exposure to Chinese, Tamil, English, and Arabic alongside Malay. She noted that mastering multiple languages equips students with better tools to convey Islamic teachings and engage diverse communities.

Fadhlina also stressed the importance of developing students’ character, trustworthiness, and integrity to prepare them for contemporary challenges. She remarked that education should extend beyond academic excellence to include intellectual growth, a strong reading culture, and leadership skills grounded in integrity.

The establishment of SMKA Jempol as a TVET religious-stream school represents an effort by Malaysia’s education authorities to broaden educational pathways while fostering holistic student development in alignment with the country’s socio-economic needs.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.