SARIKEI – Hundreds of secondary school students across Sarawak were given hands-on exposure to career pathways through the “Juh Belajar, Juh Berjaya bersama TVET Madani @ Kolej Komuniti Zon Sarawak” programme, held simultaneously at seven campuses on Thursday.
The initiative, organised by the Sarawak Zone Community College under the Department of Polytechnic and Community Colleges Education (JPPKK), was conducted in Sarikei, Kuching, Mas Gading, Santubong, Miri, Betong, and Sibu.
It forms part of the government’s wider effort to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of youth empowerment and workforce readiness.
At the Sarikei Community College (KKSR) and its KKSRCS Sibu branch, 220 participants attended in person, comprising 100 students and teachers in Sarikei and 120 in Sibu. The programme was designed to provide practical learning experiences while showcasing TVET as a future-proof career pathway.
In Sarikei, students took part in career exhibitions, culinary demonstrations, and mobile application development workshops led by information technology lecturers.
Meanwhile, in Sibu, participants engaged in mini workshops covering Canva design basics, Microsoft Excel, high-rope recreation, and first-aid training. These activities aimed to equip students with real-world skills that extend beyond the classroom.
For many, the event helped reshape perceptions of TVET. Suhardi Hadari, a student from SMK Sarikei Baru, said the programme broadened his understanding of technical and vocational education, which he now views as a strong pathway to high-demand careers.
To extend its reach, the event was also streamed live on TikTok and Facebook through official Sarawak Zone Community College channels, allowing wider participation and sparking interest among youth across the state.
The programme reflects Sarawak’s broader strategy to strengthen TVET as part of its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises skills development, digital literacy, and industry readiness.
According to recent state initiatives, TVET graduates are being offered clearer academic pathways, including opportunities to progress into degree-level studies through partnerships with local universities.
Nationally, the TVET Madani framework has been introduced to streamline entry into vocational courses and expand micro-credential opportunities, ensuring that students can pursue flexible learning while meeting industry demands.
In Sarawak, the government has also announced plans to intensify industrial tie-ups in sectors such as energy, engineering, digital technology, and modern agriculture, further strengthening the employability of TVET graduates.
By combining hands-on workshops with digital outreach, the TVET Madani programme in Sarawak demonstrates how technical education can inspire students to explore diverse career options while preparing them for the evolving job market.
Sources: UKAS
