Ayer keroh: Polytechnics and Community Colleges (PolyCC) continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, achieving an impressive graduate employability rate of 98.8 percent in 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim attributed this achievement to strong collaboration between PolyCC and nearly 20,000 industries through the implementation of high-impact programmes such as Work-Based Learning, Structured Industrial Training, and Professional and Competency Certification.
He highlighted that the academic programmes at PolyCC are accredited and recognized by authorized professional bodies, including the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT), and other professional certification agencies. This ensures that Polytechnic and Community College graduates receive formal recognition from both government and industry sectors domestically and internationally.
Dr Anesee spoke at the 22nd Convocation Ceremony of Politeknik Melaka, attended by Dr Shamsuri Abdullah, Deputy Director-General (Planning) of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education. He elaborated on the emphasis placed on producing well-rounded and entrepreneurially-minded graduates, noting the establishment of 119 entrepreneurship incubators this year, which involved 476 students and generated nearly RM800,000 in sales.
Students at PolyCC are engaged in various programmes, including skills competitions, entrepreneurship activities, research, volunteerism, and sports, to help shape a holistic and dynamic character. Additionally, PolyCC is actively forming partnerships with international institutions from countries like Russia, Japan, Korea, Turkey, China, and Indonesia to enhance academic and research collaboration, aligning with the ministry’s focus on the internationalisation of higher education.
Dr Anesee noted that these efforts support the ministry’s aspiration to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a world-class higher education hub and elevate PolyCC as a leading TVET institution internationally. PolyCC now stands as a premier TVET institution with 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges, involving nearly 15,000 staff and 97,000 active students, including in Melaka, which hosts two polytechnics and six community colleges.
He concluded by stating that this year, a total of 32,087 graduates from polytechnics and community colleges are being celebrated in 28 convocation ceremonies held nationwide.