Milestone moment: Zambry (third from right) and his deputy Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (second from right) witnessing the handover of the keys to the Papar Community College building in Papar. — Bernama
PAPAR: The Higher Education Ministry is expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Sabah with the establishment of the Papar Community College that focuses on digital learning and logistics.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the college, developed under the 11th Malaysia Plan since 2017 and completed on April 2, 2024, reflects the government’s commitment to ensure no one is left behind in the country’s digital and technological advancement.
Established under the Sabah Digital Academy initiative, the college aims to provide more locals with opportunities for higher education and industry-relevant TVET skills, particularly in information technology (IT).
“This college specialises in IT, and we have even upgraded the programme to include artificial intelligence (AI).
“I am confident this will open up quality job opportunities for the local youth, equipping them with essential technical skills,” he said after the launch ceremony of the college, which is the ninth community college in Sabah.
Zambry said the college will offer certificate programmes in IT and Logistics Services, with its first intake expected in July.
He said the introduction of the programmes is timely and strategic in preparing a skilled workforce that can adapt to evolving industry needs.
“This college will help cultivate digital talent in Sabah, create high-value jobs in rural areas and reduce reliance on foreign labour in the logistics and ICT sectors,” he said, Bernama reported.
Zambry added that the college is expected to enhance social mobility and household incomes through quality TVET while positioning Sabah’s youth as future leaders in Borneo’s digital economy.
The ministry will also prioritise improving infrastructure and learning facilities at existing community colleges before expanding further in Sabah.
This includes plans to provide hostel facilities for students in Sabah, Sarawak and remote areas in Peninsular Malaysia, despite such facilities not typically being part of community colleges.
“For future planning, we will assess local needs to ensure community colleges serve as key centres for developing skilled manpower in their respective areas,” he said.
As of Dec 31 last year, there were 106 community colleges nationwide, with an enrolment of 18,435 students.
