By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS) to strengthen its academic and Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes.
“As an educational institution linked to Yayasan Sabah’s human capital development agenda, KTYS must remain responsive to changes in industry, technology and the state’s workforce needs.
“Today’s job market demands not only academic excellence, but also strong technical skills, critical thinking and adaptability,” he said at the 29th KTYS convocation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre yesterday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji said KTYS management must improve the quality of its education and training programmes in line with industry developments and job market demands.
“Graduate development should be the key measure of a programme’s effectiveness.
“Alumni experience in employment and further studies, as well as feedback from industry players and employers, should be used to improve programmes,” he said.
Hajiji, who is also chairman of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, said KTYS graduates, as agents of change, play an important role in ensuring the state’s progress is smooth, stable and creates long-term impact.
“Industry players must also play their part by providing students with opportunities for training, guidance, exposure and work experience,” he said.
Under Sabah Budget 2026, the State Government allocated RM437.93 million to empower and develop human capital, not only academically but also spiritually.
In addition, the Sabah Education Fund has channelled RM40 million in assistance, since its launch on June 2, 2022, directly benefiting 27,781 students statewide.
Joachim presents a certificate to Abbie Gayle Simplisius, one of the recipients of the Chief Executive Award (diploma in business management).
