KOTA KINABALU: The Education Ministry is looking to establish more vocational colleges in Sabah as part of efforts to expand access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in line with local industry needs.
There are currently 86 vocational colleges across Malaysia, with eight located in Sabah, including the newly launched Sandakan Vocational College 2.
Its Minister Fadhlina Sidek said there was clear potential to strengthen vocational education infrastructure in the state, and preliminary discussions were already taking place at the ministry level.
“We are constantly making plans to ensure equal opportunities, especially for students in Sabah. I’ve already spoken with the director-general, and we see strong potential here,” she told reporters after launching the newly completed Sandakan Vocational College 2 on Saturday (March 22).
She said future vocational colleges would be considered under upcoming Malaysia Plans, based on Sabah’s industrial landscape and workforce demand.
The launch of Sandakan Vocational College 2 marks a key step in delivering skills training closer to local communities and expanding access to TVET on the east coast.
“This is part of a bigger national agenda. We want to produce highly skilled, locally based talent and ensure Sabah’s youth are not left behind,” she said.
Fadhlina stressed that vocational education must be treated as a priority, not a fallback, and that the perception surrounding TVET needs to shift — particularly among parents and local communities.
“TVET is no longer a second-choice option. It is mainstream, and we want to build national expertise based on our own strengths, especially among our young people,” she said.
To support this, the ministry has introduced KV Insani, an advocacy programme aimed at strengthening community and parental confidence in vocational pathways.
“The community needs to be convinced. Parents need to be convinced. That’s what KV Insani is about — delivering the message that TVET is a credible, competitive choice,” she said.
Fadhlina also highlighted the formation of the National TVET Council to coordinate efforts across 12 ministries involved in strengthening vocational education.
She said the focus is no longer solely on employability, but also on upskilling, fostering stronger collaboration with industries, and ensuring better starting wages — with each ministry contributing its own strengths to the national TVET agenda.
While Malaysia has already achieved a 99% employability rate among TVET graduates, the minister said the next priority is ensuring they are fairly compensated.
“It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about getting dignified pay that reflects their expertise. That’s what we’re pushing for,” she said.
Sandakan Vocational College 2, which she launched earlier in the day, is the latest addition to the Education Ministry’s TVET network. Developed at a cost of RM59.8mil and spanning 9.5 acres, it is the first purpose-built vocational college in Sabah designed to meet certificate and diploma-level programme requirements.
The college focuses on hospitality-based training and offers four programmes: Culinary Arts, Bakery and Pastry, Cosmetology, and Tourism Management.
Equipped with modern facilities including workshops, labs, dormitories, and an auditorium, the institution aims to produce industry-ready graduates while contributing to socio-economic development in the Sandakan district.
