500,000 graduates from 34 polytechnics nationwide since 2011

KOTA BHARU: Polytechnics in the country have produced about 500,000 graduates in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) since 2011, said Acting Polytechnic Education Director-General Datuk Amir Md Noor.

He said almost 90 percent of them obtained jobs within six months after graduating.

“This achievement is in line with the Malaysian Education Development Plan to produce graduates capable of creating employment for themselves, as well as others, without having to rely for jobs in the government or the private sector,” he added.

Speaking to reporters at the Kota Bharu Polytechnic's convocation here yesterday, he said there were currently 34 polytechnics nationwide.

Meanwhile, Shafiq Ikhsham Adzly, 22, from Sabah, was named the Best Overall Graduate.

The oldest of nine siblings, Shafiq Ikhsham said his perseverance paid off for having completed his study with flying colours.

“I don't come from a well-to-do family. My father is a labourer and because of that I work at night for income so that I can help ease his burden,” said the graduate in civil engineering.

He also received an award for the best project through his innovation of a drain cover and also named the recipients for the excellent academic and co curriculum awards.

Shafiq Ikhsham now plans to purse studies for a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). - Bernama