Latest news with #MohdZahariIsmail
The Sun
05-08-2025
- General
- The Sun
RM1.2m MADANI projects boost Kampung Batu 8, Bendang Siam
TAIPING: The federal government has allocated RM1.2 million for community development projects in Kampung Batu 8, Bendang Siam under the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative and MADANI TVET programme. Polytechnic and Community College Education Department (JPPKK) director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail stated the funds will enhance infrastructure and living standards. Key projects include upgrading the village surau, constructing a community hall and school hall for SK Bendang Siam, and building a funeral room at Masjid Al-Wusqa. 'A recreational gazebo will be added near the surau, and an abandoned pond will be revived for fish farming to create income opportunities,' Mohd Zahari said during a site visit. Additionally, 21 homes in the B40 group will undergo repairs, including electrical upgrades, roof fixes, and solar-powered lighting installations. The project involves 162 lecturers and students from 10 PolyCC institutions, with Kolej Komuniti Bagan Serai leading coordination. Mohd Zahari highlighted the initiative's dual benefit: improving rural livelihoods while strengthening ties between education institutions and communities. The project runs from today until Aug 20, supported by Perak ICU and local agencies. - Bernama
The Sun
03-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
New AI polytechnic in Lumut to strengthen Malaysia's TVET sector
MELAKA: A new polytechnic dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) will be established in Lumut, Perak, as part of Malaysia's push to strengthen its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in line with Industry 4.0 advancements. Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail confirmed the project has received government approval. Construction is set to begin under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) next year. 'Once the polytechnic and its programmes are approved, we will begin campus planning, curriculum design and instructor recruitment.' 'We expect operations to begin within one to two years,' he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Melaka State Community College Convocation Ceremony in Ayer Keroh. The institution aims to boost graduate employability in technology-driven industries, particularly as demand for AI expertise grows. Specialised certificate and diploma programmes in AI will be offered to address the rising need for skilled talent in digital and smart technology sectors. Currently, over 10 IT and computer science programmes in polytechnics and community colleges nationwide include AI components. These cover machine learning, data analysis, and introductory AI. 'This initiative will continue to expand across disciplines.' 'All students, regardless of their main field of study, will be required to take AI courses,' Mohd Zahari said. He added that integrating AI with fields like the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and big data analytics aligns with national priorities in digital innovation. Mohd Zahari also highlighted that over 95% of TVET graduates from polytechnics and community colleges secure employment or pursue further studies. This reflects the system's success in producing job-ready talent. The Melaka convocation celebrated 569 graduates from the state's community colleges. They are part of over 32,000 graduates nationwide from the polytechnic and community college network. – Bernama
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Proposed commission seen as game changer in TVET transformation agenda
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission is expected to strengthen its mandate and broaden its role, in advancing the national TVET transformation agenda. Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the commission, if realised, could function as an independent and autonomous body, with the authority to formulate policies, set standards, and oversee the implementation of TVET programmes, nationwide. Unlike the National TVET Council, which serves as a policy and coordination platform without legislative authority, Mohd Zahari said that the proposed TVET Commission would have the mandate to approve programmes, regulate institutions, and ensure quality, in line with the national education framework. 'It would address the fragmentation within the current TVET system, which involves multiple ministries, and enable more consistent collaboration between industry players, institutions, and the government,' he told Bernama when contacted. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the government is considering a proposal to establish a TVET Commission, as part of efforts to further strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. Prof Dr Mohamad Sattar Rasul, chairman of the Centre for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Enculturation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM), said that the proposed establishment of the commission would enable more effective monitoring of TVET programme implementation. 'The authority to oversee TVET implementation is crucial, to ensure a more harmonised approach, as many programmes under different ministries currently overlap or compete with one another,' he said. He said that the establishment of the TVET Commission would help create a more structured and effective technical education and training landscape in the country. He added that the TVET sector holds strong potential to become a key driver of the national economy, while also providing broad employment opportunities for future generations. Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) principal director (Academic and Internationalisation) Professor Dr Amir Akramin Shafie, suggested that membership of the TVET Commission should be inclusive, based on merit and expertise, and not dominated by any single sector. He said that the commission's membership should comprise representatives from academia, industry, chambers of commerce, economic and labour planning agencies, public and private TVET institutions, digitalisation experts, and community stakeholders. His view was echoed by Vocational Training Officers Association (PPPLVM) president Sarudin Rohseli who believes the direction of skills training will remain relevant and effective only if the commission includes individuals actively involved in the field. 'The membership should consist of at least 10 to 20 individuals who are directly engaged in skills training. We don't need too many professors or certified engineers, as they often approach the matter from a purely academic perspective,' he said.
Barnama
13-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Proposed Commission Seen As Game Changer In TVET Transformation Agenda
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The proposed establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission is expected to strengthen its mandate and broaden its role, in advancing the national TVET transformation agenda. Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the commission, if realised, could function as an independent and autonomous body, with the authority to formulate policies, set standards, and oversee the implementation of TVET programmes, nationwide. Unlike the National TVET Council, which serves as a policy and coordination platform without legislative authority, Mohd Zahari said that the proposed TVET Commission would have the mandate to approve programmes, regulate institutions, and ensure quality, in line with the national education framework. 'It would address the fragmentation within the current TVET system, which involves multiple ministries, and enable more consistent collaboration between industry players, institutions, and the government,' he told Bernama when contacted. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the government is considering a proposal to establish a TVET Commission, as part of efforts to further strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. Prof Dr Mohamad Sattar Rasul, chairman of the Centre for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Enculturation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM), said that the proposed establishment of the commission would enable more effective monitoring of TVET programme implementation. 'The authority to oversee TVET implementation is crucial, to ensure a more harmonised approach, as many programmes under different ministries currently overlap or compete with one another,' he said. He said that the establishment of the TVET Commission would help create a more structured and effective technical education and training landscape in the country. He added that the TVET sector holds strong potential to become a key driver of the national economy, while also providing broad employment opportunities for future generations.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Mulls TVET Commission to Boost Skills Training
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed establishment of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission is expected to strengthen its mandate and broaden its role, in advancing the national TVET transformation agenda. Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said the commission, if realised, could function as an independent and autonomous body, with the authority to formulate policies, set standards, and oversee the implementation of TVET programmes, nationwide. Unlike the National TVET Council, which serves as a policy and coordination platform without legislative authority, Mohd Zahari said that the proposed TVET Commission would have the mandate to approve programmes, regulate institutions, and ensure quality, in line with the national education framework. 'It would address the fragmentation within the current TVET system, which involves multiple ministries, and enable more consistent collaboration between industry players, institutions, and the government,' he told Bernama when contacted. Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the government is considering a proposal to establish a TVET Commission, as part of efforts to further strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the country. Prof Dr Mohamad Sattar Rasul, chairman of the Centre for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Enculturation, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM), said that the proposed establishment of the commission would enable more effective monitoring of TVET programme implementation. 'The authority to oversee TVET implementation is crucial, to ensure a more harmonised approach, as many programmes under different ministries currently overlap or compete with one another,' he said. He said that the establishment of the TVET Commission would help create a more structured and effective technical education and training landscape in the country. He added that the TVET sector holds strong potential to become a key driver of the national economy, while also providing broad employment opportunities for future generations. Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) principal director (Academic and Internationalisation) Professor Dr Amir Akramin Shafie, suggested that membership of the TVET Commission should be inclusive, based on merit and expertise, and not dominated by any single sector. He said that the commission's membership should comprise representatives from academia, industry, chambers of commerce, economic and labour planning agencies, public and private TVET institutions, digitalisation experts, and community stakeholders. His view was echoed by Vocational Training Officers Association (PPPLVM) president Sarudin Rohseli who believes the direction of skills training will remain relevant and effective only if the commission includes individuals actively involved in the field. 'The membership should consist of at least 10 to 20 individuals who are directly engaged in skills training. We don't need too many professors or certified engineers, as they often approach the matter from a purely academic perspective,' he said.
