Sarawak: Applications for admission to vocational colleges have risen sharply to 58,263 this year compared with 28,098 in 2022, reflecting growing student interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a future career pathway, said Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that this development indicates a shift in public perception towards skills-based education, which is now gaining greater acceptance in the national education system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah emphasized that choosing TVET today is not merely an alternative but a smart step towards becoming professionals needed by the industry. This aligns with the aspiration of the National TVET Policy 2030, which aims to make TVET the primary career choice, as society begins to recognize TVET as the backbone of the workforce.
Fadillah made these remarks while officiating at the 10th Ministry of Education Vocational College Convocation Ceremony 2025 for the Sarawak Zone at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre. He noted that the intake capacity for vocational colleges this year is 17,912 students, significantly lower than the number of applications received.
Since the introduction of vocational college convocations in 2016, a total of 103,902 graduates have been produced, surpassing the target of 90,000 graduates set under the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Fadillah highlighted the important role TVET graduates play in meeting future workforce demands, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and the green economy.
He further commented on the era of the Industrial Revolution 5.0, which emphasizes collaboration between humans and technology, noting that adaptability is key to overcoming today's industry challenges. The skills acquired in vocational colleges are continuously enhanced to align with global industry standards, and it is crucial for this knowledge to remain current.
The convocation ceremony saw 874 graduates from six vocational colleges across Sarawak receiving their diplomas, having completed 15 different diploma programs.