JOHOR BARU: The Star Education Fair 2026 continued to draw a steady flow of visitors on its second day at the Persada International Convention Centre here.
Among them was 18-year-old Mohamad Raziq Danish Mohamad Zahid, who is keen to explore opportunities in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
"I have applied for electrical courses through the TVET Admission Unit (UP_TVET), and I am currently waiting for the results.
"While waiting, I want to explore other opportunities, and this is a good place to start, especially since it focuses on TVET.
"On top of that, I can find out more about the courses I have already applied for through UP_TVET, as some of the institutions are taking part in the fair," he said when met on Sunday (April 26).
Another visitor, Emma Toh, 45, said she came to help her 18-year-old son who had just received his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results.
"I want him to explore the options available and choose something he is passionate about," she said, adding that her son, an arts stream student, is interested in travel-related courses.
Organised by Star Media Group, the two-day fair features 93 booths divided into eight clusters focusing on different industries within TVET.
The clusters are 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; and Services, Hospitality and Business Management.
Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) Bandar Penawar industrial relations, publicity and public relations division head Mohd Zaid Mohamed Awam urged students to use the fair to learn more before submitting applications through UP_TVET.
He said applications are open from April 1 to May 8, and visitors to the booth would be briefed on courses and assisted with applications.
He said IKBN offers courses including hospitality and mechanical engineering, and provides free tuition and accommodation with a monthly allowance of between RM100 and RM300.
Malaysian Veterinary Institute veterinary officer Dr Siti Nurashikin Zaiton said it offers two Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) programmes.
These are the Malaysian Veterinary Certificate, which can be used to apply for a Diploma in Animal Health and Husbandry at Universiti Putra Malaysia, and SKM in ruminant production, which can be used to apply for the Malaysian Skills Diploma at Kolej Pertanian Malaysia.
She said the institute provides free tuition and accommodation, with a monthly allowance of between RM200 and RM300.
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia Building Academy Southern Region corporate and marketing senior executive Mohammad Rafee A Rashid said those interested can apply through UP_TVET or directly to the academy.
He said the tuition fees are almost entirely sponsored by CIDB, with students paying less than 5% of the actual amount, and that the academy accepts applicants even if they did not sit for SPM, provided they can read, write and count.
National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) corporate division chief assistant director Zo Faradiva Suleiman said it offers 24 courses from foundation to PhD level, with applications made directly instead of through UP_TVET.
She said phase one applications close on May 13.
Admal Aviation College business development senior executive Muhammad Noor Azfar Rizan said those applying for its commercial pilot licence programme at the fair can enjoy a special rebate.
Gemological Institute of Malaysia registrar and operations manager Esther Ibau said it offers five diploma and certificate courses, adding that the first five applicants for its diploma courses during the fair can get a RM5,000 rebate.
Red Grammar founder Dr Kerry Kam said the English language academy accepts students regardless of age, with classes divided by proficiency based on an assessment.
REAL Schools admission marketing officer Zayana Rasedi said students can choose either the international or private school, with those applying during the fair receiving rebates on fees.
The Star Education Fair 2026 is open to the public from 11am to 6pm on April 25 and 26.
