Zambry: Good jobs, pay the real measure for TVET schools

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has urged polytechnic and community colleges to focus on the quality and relevance of employment for graduates, emphasizing alignment with skills and promising career prospects amid technological shifts. This call supports Malaysia's strategic plans to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for high-demand sectors, aiming to better prepare youth for the evolving job market and regional economic needs, particularly in Sabah.

Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister, has called for a more comprehensive assessment of the employability of polytechnic and community college graduates, emphasizing the importance of job quality and relevance over mere employment rates. Speaking at the Sabah Zone Polytechnic and Community College Convocation Ceremony held at Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic on Monday, he urged institutions to prioritize graduates securing positions aligned with their skills that offer promising career prospects and adequate remuneration.

While recent data shows that Polytechnic and Community College (PolyCC) graduates achieved an employability rate exceeding 98%, Zambry cautioned against complacency. He stressed that the evolving industrial landscape demands closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners. This cooperation should extend from curriculum design and training to certification and eventual employment pathways.

Highlighting significant technological shifts driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, green technology, cybersecurity, and the digital economy, Zambry noted that these developments have altered workforce demands substantially. As a result, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is increasingly recognized as a primary career route, rather than a secondary option. The Ministry’s TVET 2.0 Agenda specifically targets high-demand sectors such as AI, robotics, and renewable energy to meet future industry needs.

Underpinning these goals are strategic national frameworks, including the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035 and the Polytechnic and Community College Strategic Plan 2026-2035, both of which identify PolyCC institutions as pioneers in the TVET landscape. Currently, the PolyCC network includes 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges, collectively educating over 100,000 students across Malaysia.

In Sabah, the state’s three polytechnics and nine community colleges play a vital role in expanding educational access and nurturing local talent. Zambry highlighted that advancing TVET development in Sabah is critical to supporting key economic sectors such as energy, oil and gas, tourism, modern agriculture, construction, the digital economy, logistics, and the blue economy. This localized focus aims to align workforce skills with the specific needs of the region’s growing industries.

The minister’s remarks underscore a strategic shift toward more industry-relevant education models, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to equipping its youth for a rapidly evolving labor market shaped by technological progress and new economic priorities.

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.