PUTRAJAYA – Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) in Perak will be transformed into the nation’s first Accelerated Programme for Excellence (Apex) Polytechnic, offering advanced and competitive courses, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said this was among the 13 new agendas outlined under the ministry’s newly launched Polytechnic Transformation Programme 2023-2030, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to developing a polytechnic ecosystem that not only offers a diverse study approach but also presents exciting opportunities.
“Institutions will offer various advanced and competitive programmes. The institute’s academic levels will witness an increase in degree programmes by up to 50%, with the ultimate goal of developing this Apex polytechnic into a technological institute,” he said during the Polytechnic Transformation 2023-2033 launching ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.
The ceremony, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, marked the initiation of the transformation of PUO into the country’s first Apex Polytechnic, drawing inspiration from the prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia.
Khaled highlighted that individuals employed and keen on pursuing polytechnic qualifications can enrol in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, fostering flexibility and accessibility in education.
“Open-distance learning, particularly offered by Politeknik METrO Kuala Lumpur, enables working individuals to pursue their studies without resigning from their jobs,” he said, adding that the programme also provides various short-term micro-credential programmes for upskilling.
Khaled highlighted the establishment of the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning Centre A, based in PUO, which aims to convert work experience or current education qualifications for individuals without formal education, providing a second chance for higher education participation, particularly in polytechnics.
Acknowledging the importance of collaboration with the industry, Khaled emphasised that the Higher Education Ministry must adopt diverse and innovative approaches.
He outlined four steps to strengthen collaboration between polytechnics and industries, including leveraging the Government-Industry Technical and Vocational Education and Training Coordinating Body (GITC) as a specific platform to enhance relations and cooperation between the government, industry and TVET institutions.
“The ministry is confident that with the strength of more than 10 associations under this body, the country’s TVET ecosystem will align more with industry developments.
Moreover, to date, more than 50 industry associations representing 10,000 companies have signed memoranda of understanding with GITC, he said.
Khaled also revealed that, starting next year, all persons with disabilities capable of participating in TVET courses will be given the opportunity to join the programme.
The ministry is ready to offer more places to them in the next three to five years, he said.
Currently, allocations include 7,600 places for community college and Public Skills Training Institute graduates, 1,000 places per year for TVET foundation centres, 500 places per year for tahfiz school graduates in stages, 210 places per year for persons with disabilities and 100 places per year for indigenous people. – December 4, 2023