LUNDU: Aligning technical and vocational training with the rapid advancements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution was the core objective of the Sarawak Skills TVET 1st Colloquium & Team Building 2026. The recent four-day event underscored the institution’s proactive steps in upgrading its education landscape for tomorrow’s industries.
The programme brought together 122 teaching staff and TVET executives from all Sarawak Skills branches, including Sarawak Skills Kuching, Sri Aman, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri, as well as Sarawak Skills Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (AWISAR), and Sarawak Skills Sarawak Agriculture and Vocational Training Institute (SAVTI). Guided by the theme “TVET Masa Hadapan: Integrasi Industri, Digitalisasi dan Pembangunan Bakat,” the colloquium served as an important platform to align regional trainers in advancing industry integration, digital transformation, and talent development initiatives.
A major focus of the colloquium was navigating the transition towards the Code of Practice for TVET Programme Accreditation (COPTPA), presented by Ir. Ts. Dr. Kamaruzaman bin Hj. Md. Ali, Director-General of the Department of Skills Development Malaysia (JPK). The session provided valuable guidance on strengthening quality assurance and accreditation standards within the TVET ecosystem.
The colloquium also featured key insights from Madam Anielia Anak Siam, Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), who highlighted national TVET quality enforcement efforts and regional advancements in digital innovation.
In his remarks, Mr. Hallman bin Sabri, Executive Director of Sarawak Skills emphasised the importance of agility in adapting to the new framework. “This transition goes far beyond a rebranding or code change; it represents a complete transformation. Moving forward, we can no longer rely on rigid and static modules. Instead, our learning content must continuously evolve to remain aligned with the demands of today’s workforce and industries’ needs.”
Mr. Hallman also highlighted Sarawak Skills’ recent achievement of securing the highest number of 5-star ratings from JPK, calling it a benchmark to push further rather than a final destination. Looking toward global expansion, he shared an update on the institution’s next major international move.
“Stepping onto the global stage, Sarawak Skills is envisioning to become an authorized training center for Germany’s Handwerkskammer Aachen. This exciting milestone paves the way for you to gain from world-class training standards aligned with the German dual system.” He said.
The programme successfully concluded with strategic cluster forums on campus digitalization and intensive team-building exercises designed to strengthen inter-branch collaboration.
