KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — The Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) is considering setting up industry-led private polytechnics to enhance the quality and marketability of graduates in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposal was in line with MoHE’s chain of initiatives to place TVET and polytechnic education on par with universities.

"TVET is not only about vocational and technical skills but also the ability to handle technology. It must be presented as a stream with a bright future. Among the efforts we are making is the opening of five Pusat Asasi TVET which will serve as a direct channel to all technical universities in the country beginning this year.

"Community colleges throughout the country will also provide the widest opportunities possible to all communities to attend lifelong education courses without the need for any preliminary qualifications,” he said.

The Umno vice-president said this when winding up the Umno president’s policy address in conjunction with the Umno General Assembly 2023 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today. Also present were Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Khaled said diploma holders from polytechnics would have an opportunity to transfer credits and jump straight to the second year if they continue their studies at technology and technical universities.

"The agenda to strengthen TVET is crucial to ensure that it becomes a field of focus and choice in this country. We are on the right track,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khaled said MoHE would cooperate with other ministries in efforts to provide a higher education ecosystem that is pro-students.

He said as an Umno representative in the government, one of his focuses was to promote a Malay Studies discipline that encompasses aspects of society, economy, education and Malay technology. — Bernama