The Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035 will transform polytechnics and community colleges, focusing on high-value industries and stronger governance to strengthen TVET.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035 will transform polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) and strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Polytechnic and Community College Education director-general Dr Shamsuri Abdullah described the blueprint as a reform mandate for the nation’s largest TVET provider.
“Our focus will shift to producing talent for high-growth, high-value industries through industry-recognised competency-based programmes,” he said.
Shamsuri added that the plan has strong national leadership support from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Major reforms announced include a new Polytechnic and Community College Act to grant governance powers comparable to public universities.
Ten polytechnics will also be upgraded to Premier Polytechnic status under the plan.
The transformation will focus on five key areas: governance, high-value programmes, strategic collaborations, teaching talent, and holistic learning.
“RPTM 2026-2035 arrives at the right time to elevate POLYCC,” Shamsuri said.
He stated the aim is to produce nation-builders shaping Malaysia’s advanced and sustainable future.
Meanwhile, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) welcomed the blueprint’s initiatives.
These include guaranteed public university placements for top students and free education for persons with disabilities and low-income students.
IIUM rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar said the plan would expand access and strengthen student welfare.
He added it would support curriculum enhancement, research, and strategic industry-community collaboration.
Launched on Tuesday, RPTM 2026-2035 sets a new trajectory for Malaysia’s higher education.
It emphasises humanistic values, well-being, and sustainability to produce globally competitive graduates.
