Sabah's youths urged to prioritise TVET for brighter future
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's youths must broaden their perspectives and consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary choice in shaping a brighter future, not merely an alternative route, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said TVET now played a major role in driving the state's economic and social development, in line with technological transformation and current industry demands.
'TVET not only equips individuals with practical skills, but also represents empowerment, job opportunities, and economic growth,' he said in his speech at the launch of the Sabah TVET Council (MTS), here, on Monday (May 19).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III and state Works Minister, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Hajiji stressed that the TVET courses currently offered have been aligned with the needs of the job market and the fast-growing industrial sector, making it a stable and viable career path for young people.
'I urge the youth in the state not to hesitate to join the TVET sector. This is the time to shift perceptions and view TVET as a smart option that opens doors to becoming professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators,' he said.
According to him, the launch of the Sabah TVET council reflects the state government's commitment to strengthening the technical training ecosystem, coordinating over 160 TVET institutions statewide, and ensuring graduates are truly prepared for the workforce.
He added that TVET was also seen as a key driver in the state's development goals through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 roadmap, as well as 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 demands that the younger generation be equipped with new, adaptive and innovation-oriented skills.
'The job market is changing. If Sabah's youth are not prepared with relevant skills, we will fall behind. TVET is the best platform for us to build a highly skilled workforce that can drive the state's progress,' Hajiji stressed.
He said the establishment of the Sabah TVET council marks a new era in empowering youth development through structured, industry-guided training, positioning Sabah as a competitive hub for skilled labour at both national and regional levels.
Hajiji added that the council was not merely an administrative body, but a strategic platform that brings together government agencies, training institutions, industry players and other key TVET stakeholders into an organised and inclusive ecosystem.
He said the Sabah TVET council would also serve as a policy coordinator, a driver of skills training direction, and a strategic link to federal development funding applications.
'It also supports the youth empowerment and graduate employability agenda, while strengthening the recognition and certification of skills at the state level,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
GRS machinery fully prepared for State Election - Hajiji
Hajiji TUARAN (June 7): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is fully prepared to face the 17th state election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the Chief Minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies and state assembly areas to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation. 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran District Police Headquarters on Saturday. Also present were Sabah Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Jahid Jahim; Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; and Tuaran Police Chief, Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin. The Sabah Legislative Assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending the five-year term that began with its official opening by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. Commenting on the cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming election, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting; I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the 17th state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made. On Thursday, Hajiji said the GRS Supreme Council will be meeting soon to chart their direction for the 17th state election. He said the meeting would discuss on potential partners, seat allocations and other relevant matters.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
GRS intensifies preparations for 17th Sabah state polls
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has intensified its preparations for the 17th state election (PRN17), with comprehensive training sessions for its machinery conducted across all constituencies and state assembly areas. GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, said the coalition's election machinery is now fully activated, with grassroots-level training playing a key role in ensuring readiness. 'GRS is clearly prepared. We have set up our election machinery and carried out multiple training sessions to ensure every constituency is ready for the upcoming election,' he said. Speaking at the 2025 Ibadah Qurban Programme at the Tuaran district police headquarters on Saturday (June 7), Hajiji noted that discussions on seat allocations have yet to be held. He also confirmed that he had met with Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi before Ramadan to discuss potential political cooperation. 'We had a discussion before Ramadan (around February), but no final decision was made. 'Any decision on possible cooperation must be referred to the GRS supreme council before we move forward,' he said. In conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration, Hajiji expressed hope that the occasion would encourage a deeper sense of unity and sacrifice among Malaysians, especially Muslims. 'Aidiladha is not just about the ritual of animal sacrifice, it also teaches us values like cooperation, tolerance, and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. 'This means prioritising unity and working together for a better future for Sabah's diverse communities,' he said. Earlier in the day, Hajiji joined around 1,000 worshippers for Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Haji Noor in Kampung Serusop. He was accompanied by state Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya. Together, they symbolically handed over sacrificial cattle to Tuaran OCPD Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
GRS fully prepared for state election, says Hajiji
GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said the coalition remains open to talks on cooperation with BN. (Bernama pic) TUARAN : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is fully prepared to face the upcoming state election, said its chairman, Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the chief minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation (for the election). 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran police headquarters today. The state legislative assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending its five-year term beginning on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. On cooperation with Barisan Nasional for the polls, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting (BN). I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made.
