KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS) to strengthen its role in providing academic education as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“As an educational institution closely linked to Yayasan Sabah’s human capital development agenda, KTYS must continue to be 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 the ability to adapt quickly. This is where institutions such as KTYS play a very important role,” he said.
He said this at the 29th KTYS Convocation Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today
.Deputy Chief Minister I/Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam delivered the speech.
He said the management and entire KTYS community must continue to improve the quality of its education and training programmes, while taking into account industry developments and the actual needs of the job market.
“The graduate’s development should be made one of the key measures of the effectiveness of the programmes offered. The experiences of alumni in employment and further studies, as well as feedback from industry players and employers, should be used to improve the programmes of study continuously,” he said.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, said KTYS graduates, as agents of change, also play an important role in ensuring the State’s progress is smooth, stable, and creates a long-term impact.“At the same time, industry players must also play their part by providing students with opportunities for training, guidance, exposure and work experience,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that under the Sabah Budget 2026, the State Government had allocated RM437.93 million to empower and develop human capital, not only in academic aspects but also in spiritual development.
“This year also marks the first year of implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2.0. This commitment must be translated into outcomes that can be felt by the people.
“The measure of its success is the extent to which more Sabahans are given opportunities to pursue further studies, acquire skills and secure jobs that can improve their standard of living,” he said.
He said that in achieving this goal, the Yayasan Sabah Group continues to play an important role and has provided various forms of educational support to Sabahans, including scholarships and study loans.
“Apart from that, the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) has channeled RM40 million in assistance since it was launched on June 2, 2022, directly benefiting 27,781 students throughout the state,” he said.
Hajiji also advised the graduates that convocation was not the end of their education; instead, it marked the beginning of greater responsibilities and opened a new chapter for them to contribute to society and the State’s economy.
“Uphold the good name of yourselves, your families and KTYS through your actions and contributions. Be trustworthy individuals with integrity and be prepared to shoulder responsibilities when you enter the wider world.
“As you enter the workforce, use all the knowledge you have gained during your time at KTYS to innovate,” he said.
