AS Malaysia progresses towards a high-income, innovation-driven economy, technical education must evolve accordingly.
It is thus fitting, says Higher Education Ministry Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Dr Shamsuri Abdullah (pic), to position professional and technical education (PTE) as the next strategic step for polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCCs), as they evolve from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) 2.0.
TVET 2.0, he explained, shifted technical education towards advanced technologies, digital innovation and high-value industries.
“While TVET remains the national framework for technical and vocational education, PTE reflects POLYCCs’ distinctive role in delivering advanced, industry-driven and professionally oriented technical education,” he said.
The shift is also necessary as the competencies demanded by industry are increasingly shaped by rapid advances in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart manufacturing.
“Technical education is no longer centred solely on manual skills or workshop practice.
“Today’s workforce requires higher-order thinking, digital literacy, analytical capability and the ability to work confidently with advanced technologies,” he said.
He added that for many years TVET has often been associated with the outdated perception of “3D” jobs – dangerous, dirty and difficult.
This, he said, no longer reflects today’s industries that require technical professionals to programme autonomous systems, analyse industrial data, integrate AI and IoT solutions, and manage increasingly sophisticated technologies.
Shamsuri, however, clarified that PTE is not a new education system but a new way of describing the transformation of POLYCCs.
“It reflects the transformation of POLYCCs from institutions primarily producing skilled workers into institutions developing professional technologists, competent practitioners and innovators equipped with advanced technical expertise, industry-recognised competencies, digital capabilities and strong ethical values,” he said.
Shamsuri also emphasised that using the term PTE provides a clearer identity for the transformation taking place within his department at the ministry.
“Rather than replacing TVET, it represents the professionalisation of technical education by integrating advanced technologies, professional competencies, lifelong learning and close collaboration with industry,” he added.
Advancing pathways
Shamsuri said the POLYCCs are already pioneering initiatives.
Citing the government’s first cloud-based learning management system, Cidos on Cloud, as an example, he said it has transformed digital teaching and learning across the polytechnic and community college system.
At Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic, he added, the Centre of Autonomous Vehicle Technology is spearheading research, innovation and talent development in autonomous vehicle technologies, exposing students to the future of intelligent mobility.
“Together with specialised programmes such as aircraft maintenance engineering, marine construction technology and marine electrical technology, these initiatives demonstrate that POLYCCs are already delivering advanced TVET in practice,” he said.
Shamsuri also said the shift is already happening, with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency recognising the former Asasi TVET programme as Foundation of Engineering Technology.
“It strengthens academic progression into engineering technology and related degree programmes,” he said, adding that micro-credentials, professional certifications and competency-based learning provide flexible pathways for graduates and workers to upskill throughout their careers.
“POLYCCs have translated this vision into action through the Professional Certification Programme 2026, developed in close collaboration with industry.
“These programmes strengthen graduate employability through internationally recognised professional certifications aligned with industry needs,” he said.
He also said the recognition of master’s and PhD pathways through Professional Practice further reinforces lifelong learning by enabling technical professionals to advance to the highest levels of qualification while remaining closely connected to industry.
Shamsuri added that the PTE shift also aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035, which considers advanced TVET competency a national priority.
“Together with initiatives championed by the Malaysian Technical University Network, it reflects Malaysia’s commitment to producing a highly skilled, adaptable and globally competitive workforce,” he said.
Looking ahead, Shamsuri said PTE should focus on three aspects: accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies in teaching and learning, expanding professional certification through stronger industry partnerships, and nurturing integrity, professionalism and strong moral values alongside technical excellence.
“Technology without ethics can create unintended harm. Skills without integrity weaken public trust, while competence without values cannot sustain national progress. Malaysia’s future workforce must combine technical expertise with professionalism, responsibility and a commitment to serving society,” he said.
