Interactive booths, experts guide choices from AI to trades
JOHOR BARU: A steady stream of visitors filled the Star Education Fair 2026, transforming it into a bustling hub as thousands gathered to explore academic pathways, training options and scholarship opportunities.
From anxious students and supportive parents to educators and industry representatives, crowds thronged the event as it opened at 11am yesterday at Persada International Convention Centre here.
Among the early visitors was account manager Yu Lai Min, 52, who attended with her husband and two secondary school children.
“My son will be taking the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, while my daughter will be sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
“This is a very important year for both of them, and we want to ensure that we do not miss out on any opportunities that may be beneficial for their future.”
She said her 19-year-old son is interested in mechanical engineering, while her 17-year-old daughter wishes to pursue pastry courses.
SPM student Khalisyah Khazir, 17, said she hoped to gain clarity on her future trajectory at the fair.
“I am still trying to figure out what to do after finishing secondary school, and I believe I will get an idea or two from here.”
She attended with her mother, housewife Noraishah Razali, 46, who said she was informed about the event through her younger child’s school.
“This is the first time I am attending such a fair, and I look forward to learning more about the opportunities available for my children.
“I also want my daughter to explore her options,” she added.
Lecturer L. Veliyemah, 47, said she was gathering information to share with her students.
“I will also be uploading some photos and videos about the fair on my social media so that more people can come and explore it themselves.
“There are a lot of opportunities and valuable information here, especially those related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”
Veliyemah added that the fair’s cluster-based layout, which groups industries by sector, made it easier for visitors to identify areas aligned with their interests and strengths.
Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair features 93 booths across eight clusters: oil and gas, petrochemicals and heavy industries; electrical, electronics and industrial systems; automation, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing; transportation, automotive and logistics; digital technology, cyber and creative industries; construction, building and infrastructure; agrotechnology and food industries; as well as services, hospitality and business management.
Ledang TVETMara general studies department head Mohd Hazim Asran Abdullah said the fair play a key role in improving public perception of TVET.
“This fair is important as it allow us to promote and inform the public, especially parents and students, about the vast opportunities available.
“Programmes under TVET are very broad, allowing students to continue their studies to degree and even PhD levels.”
He said the initiative helps broaden public understanding that TVET is no longer limited to traditional perceptions.
Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia student career development manager Nor Zalina Zalwadi said lecturers were on site to provide direct guidance on courses and career pathways.
“We hope the public will not miss the chance to learn more about education opportunities available to them.
“We also have lecturers here allowing visitors to get direct information about the course they are interested in and the career opportunities it offers upon graduation.”
Nor Zalina noted that visitor turnout had been encouraging since noon yesterday and expected stronger attendance today.
At the Nilai University booth, lecturer Izrulfizal Saufihamizan Ibrahim introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) degree programme, highlighting its relevance to current industry demands.
“AI is the most trending technology in the market right now, and we want people to know that using AI alone is not enough. We need to build AI.
“That is why we need more people to take this course so that they can create their own AI and advance the technology further.”
He added that the programme, introduced last year, is designed to match industry requirements, ensuring students graduate with up-to-date technical skills and reduced adjustment gaps when entering the workforce.
“We are teaching them the latest technology used by the industry today. So when they enter the industry, they do not face any culture shock.”
The Star Education Fair 2026 is also open to the public from 11am to 6pm today.
