Sabah Focuses on Developing Human Capital, Strengthening TVET
The State Government of Sabah is steadfast in its dedication to the human capital development agenda, which stands as a cornerstone for transforming Sabah into a developed and competitive state. A crucial component of this agenda is the emphasis on technical education and vocational training (TVET).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor highlighted the significance of cultivating high-quality human capital, stating that it is the most vital long-term investment for ensuring that Sabah’s youth can actively contribute to the state’s economic growth.
“Sabah requires a local workforce that is both well-educated and skilled, equipped to tackle the challenges presented by today’s industries,” he remarked. “This is why the State Government prioritizes education and skills training through various initiatives.”
During the Petronas 2025 Education Sponsorship Award presentation ceremony held at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Hajiji expressed gratitude to Petronas for its unwavering commitment to advancing human capital in Sabah through a diverse range of quality education and skills training programs.
“The State Government, through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan 1.0, places serious emphasis on human capital development. By investing in education and the development of Sabah’s youth, I am confident that Petronas also aids the state in constructing a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive future,” he stated. “Through these ongoing efforts, we are witnessing more children from Sabah pursuing careers in skills-related fields, thereby contributing to the state’s development.”
The SMJ Development Plan 1.0 includes a significant allocation of RM1.33 billion towards human capital development, with RM848.26 million designated for education assistance and RM485 million specifically for talent and skills development programs. Hajiji emphasized the importance of building the capacity and quality of the people, beyond just infrastructure development.
In the realm of TVET, Hajiji noted the commendable progress being made in Sabah, marked by the recognition of the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) as an accredited institution under the Code of Practice for TVET Programme Accreditation (COPTPA). This recognition highlights KTC’s capability to deliver high-quality training that corresponds to the workforce needs of industries, especially in the oil and gas sectors.
“A cohort of 20 new trainees will begin their Malaysia Skills Diploma program at KTC, underlining the institution’s potential to generate a skilled workforce for the burgeoning oil and gas sector, as well as other rapidly expanding industries,” he added.
The State Government envisions an increasing number of Sabah youth entering technical fields, not only to meet the demands of conventional sectors like construction and manufacturing but also to compete in emerging fields such as the digital economy, tourism, and modern agriculture.
“TVET provides a significant pathway to a stable and high-value career in the future economy,” Hajiji affirmed.
Hajiji also expressed appreciation to Petronas for its continuous support for educational and training advancements in Sabah. This includes initiatives like the Petronas Education Sponsorship Awards and Petronas Small Scholarships for high school students.
“Programs of this nature do not only acknowledge students’ efforts but also serve as a catalyst to motivate them to continue learning and succeeding. Petronas contributes not only to industry development but also plays a crucial role in shaping Sabah’s future,” he mentioned.
He extended his hopes for the expansion of Petronas-led education and training initiatives, in alignment with the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing human capital development as a long-term objective.
“I am confident that with a strong synergy between the State Government and the industrial sector, Sabah is on the right path to building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive future,” he concluded.
