Mustapha presents the certificate to a graduate during Politeknik Mukah’s convocation.
MUKAH (Sept 13): A total of 641 students received their scrolls at the 17th Politeknik Mukah convocation today.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, in officiating at the event, hailed the convocation as being more than a ceremony, as it was also a testament to the perseverance, sacrifices and dedication of the students, their families and the educators.
“You are the nation’s valuable assets and the hope of the future.
“With the knowledge and skills gained, I urge you to contribute meaningfully to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
Mustapha noted the graduates’ success reflected the government’s vision to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a main career pathway.
Citing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on TVET, he stressed the sector was crucial in producing a highly skilled workforce to drive Malaysia’s digital economy, green initiatives, and high-tech industries, particularly under the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).
“TVET is no longer the second option.
“It is now the main strategy to build an innovative, future-ready nation. Malaysia’s National TVET Policy 2030 will ensure our people are skilled, resilient, and globally competitive.”
He highlighted the role of Polytechnics and Community Colleges (PolyCC) nationwide, comprising 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges with nearly 97,000 students, in spearheading the agenda.
“In Sarawak alone, there are three polytechnics and seven community colleges which play a pivotal role in nurturing local talent with industry-relevant expertise.”
Mustapha also underscored the Higher Education Digitalisation Plan 2024-2030, which integrated emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, smart automation, and cloud computing into the TVET curriculum, making graduates more adaptable to industry demands.
Looking ahead, he said that Sarawak’s commitment to talent development would further increase TVET enrollment by 20 per cent to meet manpower needs in renewable energy, the green economy, and the digital sector.
He also reminded graduates that success would require courage, discipline, and adaptability in a fast-changing world.
“Some of you will continue your studies, others will enter the workforce, and some may even become job creators.
“Whatever your path, be prepared, be bold, and never stop learning new skills. The more you master, the greater your chance to excel,” he said.
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