Sandakan: The employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates has reached an impressive 99 percent in recent years, as their skills enable them to secure job opportunities even before graduation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek highlighted that this success aligns with the ministry’s focus on enhancing the skills sector to develop the country’s expertise using its own workforce, particularly among vocational college students. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with various skills industries to achieve more effective outcomes, especially in advancing the skills of students in vocational colleges.

Fadhlina underscored the necessity for vocational colleges to remain competitive by offering comprehensive TVET and updating courses to meet market demands. She also stressed the role of industry players in enhancing the educational extracurricular activities that vocational colleges should prioritize.

Furthermore, Fadhlina noted that the establishment of the Sandakan 2 Vocational College is a significant part of the country’s educational initiatives to improve access to education for Sabahans through TVET. The government aims to cultivate expertise, skills, and intelligence locally, with vocational colleges serving as a key component of this strategy.

Highlighting the government’s commitment, Fadhlina expressed the desire to maximize the enrollment of Sabahans in vocational colleges in Sandakan and revealed plans to expand the number of vocational colleges in Sabah. This expansion seeks to position TVET as a primary educational choice rather than an alternative option.

In addition, Fadhlina addressed the issue of flood-affected schools in several states, stating that the ministry is actively monitoring the damage costs and allocating funds for necessary repairs. She assured that affected schools would receive attention to ensure a comfortable learning environment for students amid ongoing challenges.