Kuantan: The Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Polytechnic (POLISAS) is set to expand its academic offerings by elevating its current diploma programmes to the Bachelor's degree level. This initiative aligns with the national requirement for a highly skilled workforce in the technology sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the director-general of the Ministry of Higher Education Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges, Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah, mentioned that the expansion proposal will encompass existing programmes such as Food Technology and Nutritional Biology. The proposal is currently in its nascent phase, with detailed planning to follow pending further studies. Dr. Shamsuri shared these insights with reporters during the launch of the POLISAS Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration at Dewan Sri Mahkota POLISAS.

Dr. Shamsuri highlighted that POLISAS hosts the Centre of Food Science and Technology (CIFOS), which serves as a hub for education, research, and industrial collaboration in food technology. To date, POLISAS has produced over 60,000 graduates who are contributing to various sectors such as business, civil service, and industries, thereby fulfilling the polytechnic's founding purpose of supplying a professional workforce in technical, business, and technological domains. The country currently boasts 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges.

Reflecting on POLISAS's 50th-anniversary celebrations, POLISAS director Hisamudin Mohd Tamim announced that a variety of programmes and activities are slated for this year, including academic and sports events. These initiatives aim to involve not only POLISAS but also the broader community and stakeholders. Official announcements regarding these activities are expected once all necessary approvals are secured, with early August as the target timeframe.

During the anniversary event, POLISAS was the recipient of zakat wakalah amounting to over RM210,000, contributed by the POLISAS Zakat Collection Centre and Alumni Association.