Kota Kinabalu:More than 600 people attended the “TPET2024: Opportunities in Mechatronics” forum held last Saturday, which aimed to raise awareness and emphasise the vital role of technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Technical and Professional Education and Training (TPET) in Sabah.
The event aimed to promote TVET and TPET as pathways to rewarding careers and economic growth and also to introduce Institut Sinaran’s new Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering Technology (DMET).
It was co-organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), the Sabah Education Department (JPNS), TechZone Sabah (Malaysia Board of Technologists), and Institut Sinaran (IS).
Held at the auditorium on Level 6 at the Institut Sinaran Campus, the event overwhelmingly received 106 physical STEM teacher attendances, while another 571 attended online via Zoom.
Attendees included secondary school STEM teachers and administrators, both onsite and online, alongside various associations and industry partners.
The forum provided an interactive platform for participants to exchange ideas and viewpoints, bringing together educators, industry professionals, and government officials who deliberated strategies to enhance the quality and relevance of technical education in the region.
Esteemed speakers, including Prof. Ho Chong Mun, discussed empowering youth through TVET and TPET from classroom to career to revolutionise Sabah’s workforce.
Dr. Lim Kit Guan spoke on the future of mechatronics engineering in Sabah and Dr. Alan Lim Wui Tze introduced the DMET programme offered by Institut Sinaran.
During the signing ceremony with industrial partners and collaborators, Institut Sinaran formalised partnerships with several key industry players through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration.
Partners include Cap Kuda Coffee Company, represented by Yap Cheen Boon; Borneo Wawasan, represented by Augustine Kong; Desa Plus, represented by Datuk Yusoff bin Datuk Hj Mohamed Kasim; and Sri Komputer, represented by Hiew Chee Fah.
These collaborations mark a significant step in strengthening industry-academia ties, fostering innovation, and enhancing educational and career opportunities for students.
The forum panel featured eminent figures such as Datuk Mohd. Hanafiah Mohd Kassim of Mosti, Nurani Fauziah Binti Derin from JPNS and Prof. Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, who is SME Association Sabah President.
Nurani emphasised the pivotal role of TVET and TPET in shaping the future of Sabah’s workforce.
Her words set the tone for a forum dedicated to exploring opportunities in mechatronics and promoting pathways to prosperous careers and economic growth.
By equipping individuals with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, this educational pathway not only prepares them for the workforce but also nurtures entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Sabah Government acknowledges the critical role of TVET and TPET in offering avenues for sustainable economic development and is steadfast in bolstering the ecosystem.
Institut Sinaran’s DMET programme is tailored to provide students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in mechatronics, preparing them for burgeoning careers in rapidly evolving technological domains.
Enrolling in this programme offers students a dynamic and promising future, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to industry and society.