Council set up to strengthen skills training: Prioritise TVET, Chief Minister tells youths
Published on: Tue, May 20, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Hajiji said the TVET courses currently offered have been tailored to meet the needs of the fast-evolving job market and industrial sectors, making it a stable and viable career path for young people. Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called on youths in the State to open their minds and view Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary choice for building a bright future, not merely an alternative pathway. He said TVET now plays a significant role in the economic and social development of the State, in line with technological transformation and the current needs of the industry.
Advertisement 'TVET not only equips individuals with practical skills, but is also synonymous with empowerment, job opportunities and economic growth,' he said when launching the Sabah TVET Council (MTS), here, Monday. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister III/State Public Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said the TVET courses currently offered have been tailored to meet the needs of the fast-evolving job market and industrial sectors, making it a stable and viable career path for young people. 'I urge youths in the State not to hesitate to participate in the TVET field. Now is the time to change the perception and see TVET as a smart choice that opens doors to becoming professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators,' he said. According to him, the Sabah TVET Council is a commitment by the State Government to strengthen the technical training ecosystem, coordinate over 160 TVET institutions across the State and ensure that every graduate produced is truly ready to face the challenges of the working world.
Advertisement He said TVET is also considered a key driver for the State's development goals through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan and national strategic documents such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030), the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Hajiji also touched on the current technological revolution, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), which requires the younger generation to be equipped with new skills that are adaptive and innovation-oriented. 'The world of work is changing. If Sabah's youths are not prepared with relevant skills, we will be left behind. TVET is the best platform to develop a highly skilled human capital that will drive the State's progress,' he stressed. He said the launch of the Council marks a new era in empowering youth development through structured training aligned with industry needs – positioning Sabah as a competitive skilled workforce hub at the national and regional levels. Hajiji said it is not just an administrative structure, but a strategic platform that unites government agencies, training institutions, the industrial sector and key TVET players into a cohesive and inclusive ecosystem. According to him, the Council also acts as a policy coordinator, a driver for skills training direction and a strategic liaison for development fund applications from the Federal Government. 'It also supports the youth empowerment agenda and graduate employability, while strengthening the recognition and certification of skills at the State level,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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