Latest news with #Vocational
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
Education reform urgent for Sabah's future - Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and guests pose for a group photo with participants of the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference after the officiation ceremony at SICC, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The transformation of the state's education system is an urgent necessity, not a choice, to ensure Sabah's students are equipped to face future challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said recent research data from 2024 revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72 per cent felt confident applying scientific knowledge in daily life. 'This clearly shows that we cannot be complacent. Many students still struggle to grasp fundamental STEM concepts. Therefore, education reform must be a top priority for all stakeholders,' he said when officiating the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Wednesday. He emphasized that research- and innovation-based teaching approaches must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive. He also urged educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continue exploring and enhancing educational strategies that align with the digital era and current industry needs. Hajiji said ARISE 2025, which gathered over 600 participants from both local and international institutions, including from the United Kingdom, Spain, the Philippines, China and Ireland, serves as a vital platform to pioneer global education collaboration. 'This conference not only brings together educators, researchers and policymakers from around the world, but also promotes the empowerment of education rooted in science, technology, and culture,' he said. He also underlined the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as key drivers in developing high-quality, competitive and innovative human capital in Sabah. In that regard, he noted that the state government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah (KSTI), the Sabah Skills and Training Centre (SSTC), and the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre for the implementation of various training and skills empowerment programmes. Among the key initiatives, he said, are Kembara Sains Borneo, Sabah Science Carnival, Technology and Innovation Competitions, STEM Education Festival, Roboneo Programme, and Sabah Screen Fest – all of which serve as vital platforms to spark student interest in technology and engineering. Hajiji also welcomed the presentation of 13 sub-themes at the conference, covering areas such as digital education, Malay studies, Islamic education, guidance and counselling, sports science, visual arts, and early childhood education. He expressed confidence that this exchange of knowledge would foster international collaboration and elevate the global profile of researchers and educational institutions in Sabah. 'Educators are the heart and backbone of successful education transformation. I call on them to boldly explore research and innovation in education,' he said. According to him, the conference also reflects the state government's commitment under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2021–2025, which prioritizes education as a catalyst for sustainable state development.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tegas showcases digital, TVET initiatives at Digital Dive Day 2025
Visitors explore informational leaflets available at the Tegas exhibition booth. KUCHING (May 23): Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) recently participated as an exhibitor at Digital Dive Day 2025, an event dedicated to promoting awareness and interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among students and industry professionals. Held from May 20 to 22 at the Sarawak Skills auditorium, the event provided a valuable platform for Tegas to engage directly with students and staff of Sarawak Skills. As a strategic partner of Sarawak Skills and a key player in Sarawak's digital and entrepreneurship ecosystem, Tegas was invited as one of the featured exhibitors. Throughout the event, Tegas highlighted its ongoing initiatives to support talent development, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the state. Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the Tegas Digital Innovation Hub, startup programmes, and various efforts focused on nurturing the next generation of digital leaders. Tegas' participation aligned with the event's broader goal of equipping Sarawak's youth with essential skills for the digital economy. The engagement further strengthened collaborative ties between Tegas and Sarawak Skills in advancing Sarawak's digital and TVET agendas. 'Digital Dive Day 2025 has made a positive impact on participating students and staff, who are now more informed and inspired to explore Sarawak's growing digital and entrepreneurial landscape,' the statement stated. Digital Dive Day 2025 Kuching tegas TVET
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Bill To Reset Vocational Education Passes First Reading
Hon Penny Simmonds Minister for Vocational Education Legislation to disestablish New Zealand's centralised vocational education and training system has passed its first reading in Parliament, Vocational Education and Training Minister Penny Simmonds says. 'Today, we've taken a major step forward toward a vocational education and training system that works for learners, employers, industries and local communities,' Ms Simmonds says. 'The Bill, which has passed its first reading, will return decision-making to where it belongs — in the hands of regional polytechnics and industry. 'This is a commonsense reset that ensures polytechnic education and training is responsive to regional needs and work-based learning for apprentices and trainees is led by the industries that rely on it.' The Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill proposes a structural reset of vocational education, focusing on two key priorities: restoring local decision-making for polytechnics, and giving industry greater leadership in standard setting and work-based learning. Among the key changes in the Bill are: Disestablishing Te Pūkenga and creating a network of regional polytechnics, which will operate as standalone institutions or within a federation. Te Pūkenga will remain as a transitional entity for one year to manage unallocated programmes and activities. Replacing Workforce Development Councils with new Industry Skills Boards, effective 1 January 2026. These statutory bodies will be governed primarily by industry representatives and responsible for setting standards, undertaking workforce planning, and advising the Tertiary Education Commission on relevant funding matters. Transferring work-based learning functions from Te Pūkenga to Industry Skills Boards for up to two years, allowing time for new delivery arrangements across polytechnics, private training establishments, and Wānanga to be developed. Amending training levy provisions to enable Industry Skills Boards to levy industry members, subject to industry support. Ms Simmonds says implementation will take up to two years, with the first group of polytechnics and new Industry Skills Boards in place from 1 January 2026. 'Industry knows the skills it needs. That's why we're putting them back in charge of standard setting and qualification development for their industry,' Ms Simmonds says. 'This is about building a stronger, more relevant system — one that sets our people and our economy up for future success. 'We look forward to hearing what New Zealanders think during the select committee process so that we can get on with the changes.'
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hajiji: Adopt TVET for economic opportunities
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's youth should broaden their perspectives and view Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary option for shaping a brighter future, rather than merely as an alternative route, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ). The Chief Minister said TVET now plays 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 it also represents empowerment, job opportunities and economic growth,' he said at the launch of the Sabah TVET Council here yesterday. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Works Minister. Hajiji said 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 in joining 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. He said that the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council demonstrates the state government's dedication to enhancing the technical training ecosystem. This initiative aims to coordinate more than 160 TVET institutions across the state, ensuring that graduates are adequately prepared for the workforce.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah Youths Urged To Choose TVET As Primary Option, Not An Alternative
KOTA KINABALU, May 19 (Bernama) – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called on the youth in the state to open their minds and view Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary pathway to building a bright future, rather than merely an alternative route. He said TVET now plays a significant role in the state's economic and social development, in line with technological transformation and current industrial needs. 'TVET not only equips individuals with practical skills, but it is also synonymous with empowerment, employment opportunities, and economic growth,' he said in his speech for the Launch Ceremony of the Sabah TVET Council (MTS) here today. The text of his speech was read out by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Hajiji said the TVET courses currently offered have been tailored to the needs of the job market and the rapidly developing industrial sector, making it a stable and viable career path for young people. 'I urge the youth of this state not to hesitate in joining the TVET field. Now is the time to shift perceptions 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 launched today is the Sabah government's commitment to strengthening the technical training ecosystem, coordinating over 160 TVET institutions across the state, and ensuring that every graduate produced is truly ready to face the challenges of the working world. He said TVET is also seen as a key driver for the state's development goals through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Blueprint and strategic national 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 wave of technological revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI), which requires the younger generation to be equipped with new, adaptive, and innovation-oriented skills.
