Public Perception on Polytechnic Graduates Changed - Idris

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 11 (Bernama) - The public perception of polytechnic graduates has now shifted the emphasis on the field of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) at the center of study. 

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said polytechnics were no longer considered second-class institutions of higher learning but even polytechnic graduates had higher job marketability than university graduates. 

"The workability of polytechnic graduates is 87 per cent compared to 78 per cent of university graduates.

"People do not understand and consider polytechnics as second-tier institutions," he told reporters after witnessing the signing ceremony of the Collaboration Certificate between the Polytechnic Education Department (JPP) and MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC), at Tanjung Pelepas Port, here today. 

The JPP was represented by the Director-General of Polytechnic Education and Community College Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz while MMC was represented by Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh. 

On collaboration between the JPP and the MMC, Idris said it was a good effort between the two parties to conform to the 'academic and industry philosophy'.

Meanwhile, Che Khalib said the collaboration could open space for polytechnic students to undergo industrial training in MMC group companies such as PTP, Malakoff and MMC Engineering. 

Che Khalib said MMC could help equip students with extensive knowledge in the port and logistics sectors, energy and utilities as well as engineering and construction. 

"This partnership allows MMC to identify potential polytechnic graduates to be absorbed as quality workforce in MMC in the future," he said. 

Che Khalib said the MMC-Polytechnic Education Center will be set up at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, near Pasir Gudang, thus MMC will donate technical equipment or engineering for learning at the polytechnics.