Dr Joachim, representing the Chief Minister, presenting the Best Academic Award for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education to Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim from Kolej Vokasional Keningau, who received a certificate, plaque and RM1,000 cash prize.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government has allocated RM437.93 million this year to strengthen human capital development, encompassing both academic excellence and spiritual growth.
He stressed that Sabah will continue to prioritise the development of highly skilled talent as a key driver of economic growth.
“This is the best platform to steer Sabah’s economy towards high-value, knowledge- and skills-based activities.
“This includes prioritising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), innovation and digital technology,” he said at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Vocational Colleges under the Education Ministry held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
A total of 1,000 graduates from Vocational Colleges in the Sabah Zone and the Federal Territory of Labuan received their diplomas at the ceremony.
Hajiji also congratulated vocational college educators, describing them as key drivers in advancing the nation’s TVET agenda.
“The commitment and hard work of educators play a significant role in advancing society and ensuring resilience in facing global challenges.
“This aligns with the growing importance of TVET today, where it is no longer a second choice but has become mainstream in the national education system and a primary pathway for students to succeed with industry-relevant skills,” he said.
He noted that applications to vocational colleges rose sharply from 28,098 in 2022 to 58,263 in 2026, compared to an intake capacity of 17,912, reflecting strong public confidence in skills-based education.
Citing the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Hajiji said the global job market is undergoing significant transformation.
“By 2030, an estimated 170 million new jobs will be created, particularly in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), renewable energy and the green economy.
“At the domestic level, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) places strong emphasis on high-growth, high-value sectors.
“This means the country requires a workforce that is not only technically skilled, but also digitally agile and sustainability-conscious,” he said.
In line with this, the Education Ministry has developed a more dynamic and responsive TVET ecosystem through the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035.
Hajiji said the State Government remains committed to strengthening human capital development in line with these evolving needs.
