Kuala terengganu: Polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) graduates in the east coast are being called upon to enhance their skills and seize new employment opportunities emerging from the region's rapidly expanding economic landscape. Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shahar Abdullah emphasized the importance of this adaptation in light of ongoing economic changes, including the forthcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which is expected to commence operations by the end of the year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Shahar highlighted the transformative potential of the ECRL in his speech at the closing of the 2026 East Zone POLYCC Convocation Ceremony held at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Hall, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. He stated, "Soon, we will have another game changer, namely the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which will connect the east coast with the west coast." He expressed confidence that the ECRL would serve as a significant catalyst for creating more opportunities for trade, investment, industry, and workforce mobility in the East Coast.
The convocation ceremony, which commenced on Sunday and concluded today, saw 5,715 graduates receiving their scrolls, including 2,882 from Pahang, 1,497 from Kelantan, and 1,336 from Terengganu. Mohd Shahar pointed out the great potential in the economies of the three east coast states-Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu-that needed to be harnessed, especially by local TVET graduates.
"In 2025, Pahang's economy grew by 3.2 percent, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around RM71 billion. Pahang also recorded RM8.1 billion in approved private investments, including RM5.3 billion in foreign investments," he noted. Meanwhile, Kelantan's GDP increased by 4.1 percent to over RM29 billion in 2025, and Terengganu recorded a 1.6 percent increase to more than RM40 billion. These changes signify evolving employment opportunities, industries, and skills required by employers.
The government is committed to empowering TVET through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure educational and training institutions align with industry needs. "As of 2026, a total of 107 new and continuation projects had been approved for POLYCC, with a total cost of RM2.23 billion, while RM385.9 million was approved under the First Rolling Plan 2026," Mohd Shahar stated. These funds will cover the development and upgrading of buildings and infrastructure, as well as the procurement of teaching and learning equipment.
Lastly, Mohd Shahar reminded graduates to focus not only on mastering technology but also on values, ethics, and integrity. He urged them to become a competent workforce proficient in technology, mature in judgment, uphold workplace integrity, and always prioritize human interests in their knowledge and skills.