SANDAKAN: Youth unemployment among school leavers, particularly those who have completed their SPM and STPM examinations, deserves greater attention from the government, private sector and educational institutions.
Every year, thousands of young people leave school hoping to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. However, not everyone can afford further studies, while others lack the qualifications, practical skills or work experience needed to secure employment.
Without proper training and opportunities, many young people risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.
According to Sabah Education Department director Abidin Marjan, approximately 37,000 students are expected to sit for the SPM examination, while another 8,200 will sit for STPM across Sabah this year, as reported on October 30, 2026.
Commenting on the issue, Bryan Chang Shak Hung, Special Officer to Tanjong Papat Assemblyman, said the large number of school leavers highlights the urgent need to strengthen skills training and employment opportunities across Sabah.
“We must ensure that our young people have clear pathways after completing their SPM and STPM examinations. Not everyone can afford to pursue university education, but that should not mean they have to struggle to find a decent job.
“Skills training, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), must be given greater emphasis as an alternative pathway to employment and a successful career,” he said.
Chang said Sabah had growing workforce needs in various sectors, including electrical installation, welding, automotive repair, air-conditioning and refrigeration, information technology, construction, hospitality, agriculture, fisheries and maritime services.
Through TVET programmes, young people can obtain recognised qualifications such as the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), which can improve their employment prospects.
“However, training alone is not enough. We must also ensure that graduates have real job opportunities where they can apply their skills, gain experience and earn a stable income.
“There must be stronger cooperation between training institutions and industries so that the skills being taught match the actual needs of employers,” he added.
Chang also highlighted Sandakan’s potential to generate more employment opportunities through industries such as shipbuilding, ship repairs, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, construction, tourism and plantations.
He said the Sabah Government should intensify efforts to attract domestic and foreign investors to Sandakan, particularly in industries capable of creating sustainable employment for local communities.
“Sandakan has the potential to become an important centre for various industries. We need to attract more investment and encourage businesses to expand their operations here so that local young people can benefit from the jobs created.
“At the same time, private companies should play their part by offering paid training programmes, apprenticeships, internships and entry-level positions for school leavers,” he said.
Chang stressed that employers should also be encouraged to give young people opportunities to develop their skills rather than making previous work experience a major barrier to securing their first job.
“Not every school leaver needs to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer or government officer. Sabah also needs electricians, welders, mechanics, technicians, machine operators, IT specialists and maritime workers.
“Every occupation plays an important role in supporting our economy, and we must give young people the opportunity to build careers in these fields,” he said.
He added that youth unemployment should be treated as an important development issue, particularly in Sandakan, where stronger partnerships between the government, private sector and educational institutions are needed.
“Our school leavers need more than examination certificates. They need practical skills, industry exposure and genuine employment opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families.
“Investing in our young people today means investing in Sabah’s economic future tomorrow,” Chang said. – James Leong
‘Skills training, particularly through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), must be given greater emphasis as an alternative pathway to employment and a successful career’ – Chang
