Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government has allocated RM7.5 billion to strengthen the nation’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, ensuring that Sabah and Sarawak are not left behind in the wave of high-tech industrial development.
Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Mordi Anak Bimol said this allocation, part of the National TVET Policy 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), aims to produce competent, innovative and competitive talent capable of meeting future industry demands.
“I wish to emphasise that Borneo must not be left behind in facing the new wave of national TVET development where the focus on TVET is not merely a slogan but a strategic direction for the country.” he said when launching the Jelajah TVET ILKBS 2026 Zon Borneo at the ITCC Grand Ballroom in Penampang.
“Sabah and Sarawak possess immense potential in sectors such as tourism, modern agriculture, sustainable forestry, fisheries and construction, as well as emerging fields like green technology and digital transformation.”He added that the implementation of TVET 2.0, launched by the Prime Minister during the National TVET Day 2026 celebrations, signals the Government’s seriousness in equipping the new generation with skills relevant to high-impact technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), energy transition and semiconductors.
Mordi highlighted the success of local institutions in producing market-ready graduates where in 2025, IKBN Kinarut recorded a graduate employability rate of 95.32 per cent, while IKBN Miri achieved 95.6 per cent.
“This proud achievement proves that TVET programmes offered by ILKBS (Institut Latihan Kemahiran Belia dan Sukan) do not just meet industry standards but successfully produce a skilled workforce that is the preferred choice of employers,” he said.
The event saw the signing of 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and one Letter of Intent (LoI) between ILKBS institutions and various strategic partners, including multinational corporations and national industry players.
IKBN Kinarut sealed nine MoUs, while IKBN Miri signed five MoUs and one LoI with the Institute of Technical Education Brunei (IBTE) for collaboration in automotive, mechanical, and hospitality technologies.
The roadshow also served as a critical platform for connecting youth with employment opportunities. Through a collaboration with Perkeso and the MyFutureJobs program, 11 national and international companies operating in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia participated in interview sessions starting Aug 7.
Job openings covered diverse sectors including automotive battery technology, hospitality, hospital facility engineering, heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
Some 188 IKBN Kinarut graduates received their scrolls during the event.
