Student intake at Malaysia’s polytechnics and community colleges shows encouraging growth, with strong interest in STEM and service-based programmes
JOHOR BAHRU: Student intake for polytechnics and community colleges has shown encouraging growth over the past three years.
This reflects public confidence in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathways in the country, according to the Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges (JPPKK).
JPPKK director of Student Recruitment and Development Department Azirin Abdul Aziz said admission offers for the Main Session will begin around the end of June.
“Admission offers will be made after the SPM results are released, and the response for the past three years has been very encouraging,” he said.
He stated that most programmes focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, technology, and engineering.
“Although overall applications are balanced, we can see higher interest in service-based programmes such as culinary arts and hospitality,” Azirin added.
He also noted strong interest in programmes under the Department of Commerce such as accounting, trade and logistics.
Azirin said this after attending the closing ceremony of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 Tour Programme With Polytechnic Students at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan.
Besides diplomas, students are exposed to various value-added programmes such as professional certifications and specialised skills training.
This is to complement their expertise according to industry needs, he explained.
Commenting on graduate employability, he said graduates have not faced major problems in finding employment.
The ministry’s current focus is to ensure they receive premium salaries commensurate with their qualifications and skills.
On the HAWANA programme, Azirin described it as highly beneficial in helping students understand the ethics of using social media.
“Today’s programme is very useful and beneficial for the students, especially considering they are in a group of young people who actively use social media,” he said.
He emphasised that youth still need guidance to use technology wisely and responsibly despite rapid media developments.
Azirin also touched on the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (PPTM), which emphasises technological advancement and the development of human values.
According to him, PPTM emphasises the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and quantum technology.
This is without neglecting ethical aspects, integrity and character building, he added.
“Although technology is developing rapidly, the development of human values remains the core,” Azirin said.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Communications for its contribution of smart television sets to participating institutions.
Azirin also thanked Bernama for its commitment to the success of the HAWANA 2025 Tour Programme.
