Sabah focuses on developing human capital, strengthening TVET
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): The State Government continues to focus on its human capital development agenda as the core in making Sabah a developed and competitive state, with specific emphasis on technical education and vocational training (TVET).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said developing quality human capital with high skills is the most important long-term investment to ensure Sabah's youth can contribute directly to the state's economic growth.
'Sabah needs a local workforce that is not only highly educated but also skilled and ready to face the challenges of today's industry.
'That is why the State Government places serious emphasis on education and skills training through various initiatives,' he said at the Petronas 2025 Education Sponsorship Award presentation ceremony at the Magellan Sutera Resort here today.
Hajiji expressed appreciation to Petronas for its continued commitment to developing human capital in Sabah through various quality education and skills training programs.
'The State Government, through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan 1.0, places serious emphasis on human capital development. I am confident that by investing in education and the development of Sabah's youth, Petronas also helps the state to build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive future.
'Through these ongoing efforts, we can see more children from Sabah entering the skills field, thus contributing to the development of this state,' he said.
Hajiji added throughout the implementation of the SMJ Development Plan 1.0, the State Government has allocated RM1.33 billion to develop human capital, including RM848.26 million for education assistance and RM485 million specifically for talent and skills development programs.
'We do not want to just build buildings and infrastructure, what is more important is to build the capacity and quality of the people themselves,' he stressed.
In efforts to empower the TVET sector, Hajiji said Sabah is now witnessing commendable development through the recognition of the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) as an accredited institution under the Code of Practice for TVET Programme Accreditation (COPTPA), he added.
He said this recognition proves KTC's ability to provide high-quality training to meet the workforce needs of the industry, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
'A total of 20 new trainees will commence their Malaysia Skills Diploma program at KTC, marking the institution's capability to produce a skilled workforce for the booming oil and gas sector as well as other rapidly growing sectors,' he added.
He said the State Government wants to see more Sabah youth engaging in the technical fields not only to meet the demands of traditional sectors such as construction and manufacturing but also to compete in new areas such as the digital economy, tourism, and modern agriculture.
'TVET is a key choice and pathway to a stable and high-value career in the future economy,' he stated.
Hajiji also expressed appreciation to Petronas for its continuous commitment to support educational and training development in Sabah, including the Petronas Education Sponsorship Awards and Petronas Small Scholarships for high school students.
'Programs like this not only recognize students' efforts but also serve as a catalyst to motivate them to keep learning and succeed. Petronas is not only contributing to industry development but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Sabah,' he said.
He hopes that Petronas-led education and training initiatives will continue to expand, in line with the State Government's commitment to prioritize human capital development as a long-term goal.
'I am confident that with a strong synergy between the State Government and the industrial sector, Sabah is on the right path to building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive future,' he said.
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