By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called on youths to view Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a primary choice for building a brighter future.
He said the TVET sector now plays a major role in the state’s economic and social development, in line with technological transformation and current industry needs.
“TVET not only equips individuals with practical skills but is also synonymous with empowerment, job opportunities, and economic growth,” he said at the launching ceremony of the Sabah TVET Council (MTS) at a resort here yesterday.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Hajiji said that current TVET courses have been tailored to meet the demands of the job market and the rapidly growing industrial sector.
“I urge the youths not to hesitate in joining the TVET field. It is a wise choice that opens up opportunities to become professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators,” he said.
He said the launch of the council is aimed at strengthening the technical training ecosystem by coordinating over 160 TVET institutions across the state and ensuring that every graduate is truly ready to face the challenges of the working world.
TVET is also seen as a key driver of the state’s development goals through the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap 2.0 and national strategic frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030), the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Hajiji also touched on the current technological revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI), which requires the younger generation to be equipped with new, adaptive, and innovation-driven skills.
“The world of work is changing. If Sabah’s youth are not equipped with relevant skills, we will fall behind. TVET is the best platform to develop a highly-skilled human capital that will drive the state’s progress,” he stressed.
He said the council also marks a new era in empowering youth development through structured training aligned with industry needs, positioning Sabah as a hub for competitive skilled labour at both national and regional levels.
Hajiji added that the council is not merely an administrative structure but a strategic platform that unites government agencies, training institutions, the industrial sector, and key TVET stakeholders in an organised and inclusive ecosystem.
He said the council will also serve as a policy coordinator, a driver of skill training direction, and a strategic liaison for development fund applications to the Federal Government.
“It also supports the youth empowerment agenda and graduate employability, while strengthening the recognition and certification of skills at the state level,” he said.
