‘Let’s make polytechnic preferred institution of higher learning’

KUCHING: Polytechnic Kuching has the potential to become a premier or preferred institution of higher learning for qualified SPM and SPMV leavers in the state.

To achieve this, its management has to bring change to attract students and to gain public confidence as a centre of excellence, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.

“The Economic Transformation Plan introduced by the prime minister targets 45 per cent or 1.5 million out of 3.3 million job opportunities by year 2025 requiring technical and vocational skills,” he said at the closing of the ‘Festival Gerak Usahawan Kampus, Pameran Projek dan Inovasi 2015’ at the institution's hall yesterday.

His text- of- speech was read by Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

Though Sarawak has thousands of job opportunities available with the set up of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy ( SCORE), foreign companies face problems recruiting local workers as they do not have the technical skills required.

Polytechnic Kuching, as one of the institutions that provides technical and vocation education and training, should realise its responsibilities and places itself on par with its counterparts in producing graduates with technical know- how skills, resilience and international communication skills, he said.

Jabu, who is also Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Minister for Rural Development, called on the Polytechnic’s Education Department to send more teaching staff with industrial background and experience to the institution to ensure quality teaching and learning.

At the same time, teaching staff must be committed to discharging the duties and responsibilities entrusted to them

He pointed out that the state government would continue to intensify its efforts to promote technical and vocational education among SPM and SPMV leavers throughout the state.

“Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak ( Tegas) has been entrusted to plan educational road shows throughout the state annually and, as a result, more and more qualified school leavers are interested to continue studies in various technical higher learning institutions.”