Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) borrowers must fulfil their loan repayment obligations promptly, so that new students can benefit, says Bumiputra Private Skills Training Institution action committee chairman Nordin Abdul Malek.
He said the allocation through PTPK represents a strategic, high-multiplier initiative that contributes directly to the country’s economic and social growth.
He said this investment will deliver long-term returns to the government which reinforces the need for timely loan repayments by borrowers.
“The private TVET sector plays a crucial role in providing second chances for students who have fallen out of the mainstream education system, enabling them to acquire skills and build meaningful careers.
“Thriving private TVET institutions supported by PTPK loans contribute to national revenue through corporate income tax.
“Student loans operate as a revolving fund mechanism, ensuring PTPK remains a sustainable and continuous financial model as repayments are made,” he said, adding that by recognising private TVET institutions as equal partners in national development, Malaysia can expand its skilled talent pool, reduce youth unemployment, and foster an inclusive pathway for lifelong learning and employability.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said the government is placing strong emphasis on strengthening TVET to meet the growing demand for a highly skilled maritime workforce.
The establishment of the Teaching Shipyard TVET Marine at UMT, serves as a catalyst for new opportunities, he added.
“This facility is more than just a learning space — it functions as a training platform that adopts the concept of contextualised learning, where students gain real-world experience by directly participating in ship construction, maintenance, and research activities, including work on emerging technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered vessels.
“The development of the Teaching Shipyard TVET Marine will open vast opportunities for collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and high-impact technology transfer,” he said, adding that this not only supports the country’s sustainability and technological advancement agenda but also reinforces Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector by producing competent talent that meets industry requirements.
