Keningau college gets global recognition for research initiative

Six Keningau Vocational College educators (left to right) Dayang Siti Khatijah Awang Damit, Rowdella Raymond, Dr Mohd Sirhajwan Idek, Lumang Lang, Sufi Abidin Mislan and Yushahfira Akul showing the certificates they received after successfully publishing their research paper published in a world renowned peer-reviewed academic journal.

KOTA KINABALU: A spontaneous idea by an educationist from a remote Sabah college has gained international acclaim.

Dr Mohd Sirhajwan Idek, a teacher at Keningau Vocational College (KVC), realised while reading research articles for his academic growth that students could also produce scholarly work.

After sharing his idea with colleagues, they started a mission to enhance students' research skills, focusing on methodology.

This led to Dr Sirhajwan's colleagues Rowdella Raymond, Sufi Abidin Mislan, Yushahfira Akul, Dayang Siti Khatijah Awang Damit, and college director Lumang Lang co-authoring a research paper.

Titled "Equipping Vocational College Students with Statistical Literacy," the paper was published in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research.

The study was based on feedback from final-year students who attended a workshop on statistical analysis, introducing tests like the T-test, ANOVA, Chi-square, and Correlation.

"Our survey showed significant improvement in students’ understanding of statistical methods," said Dr Sirhajwan.

The workshop also included training on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Keningau Vocational College’s Research and Innovation Department head, Dr Mohd Sirhajwan Idek wants to help students uncover their potential.

Students expressed greater confidence and a desire for more technical guidance, and

Dr Sirhajwan and his team plan to expand these training sessions.

"We aim to produce students who think like researchers—curious, precise, and impactful," he said.

Dr Sirhajwan, 37, from Kota Belud, joined KVC in 2012 and now leads the Research and Innovation Department.

"Many vocational students present data superficially. We guide them to analyse it meaningfully," he added.

His mission was reignited in 2018 after meeting his academic idol, educator Scott Thornbury, at a UK conference.

Dr Sirhajwan was awarded a scholarship to present his research, with Thornbury as his mentor.

"He told me he was proud of me. That moment meant everything," he recalled.

Inspired, Dr Sirhajwan continues to lead with purpose.

"Teaching equips youth with skills for nation-building and nurturing them into compassionate individuals," he said.

Under his leadership, KVC has become a hub for research and innovation, showing that excellence can emerge from remote corners of Malaysia.