SABAH TVET SYMPOSIUM 2025 PROGRAMME (SYMPOSIUM 2.0)
6 JULY 2025
KOTA KINABALU (SUNDAY): The Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, in strategic collaboration with the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), North Borneo University College (NBUC) and the Department of Skills Development (JPK), will be organising the Sabah TVET Symposium 2.0 as a continuation of the success of Symposium 1.0 held previously. This two-day symposium will take place on 9 and 10 July 2025 (Wednesday and Thursday) at The Magellan, Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, and will feature the theme “Sustainable TVET for Sabah’s Future Human Capital: Integrated TVET System”.
The main objective of the symposium is to strengthen and coordinate Sabah’s TVET ecosystem in line with the real and evolving needs of industry. It also serves as a key platform for connecting educators, vocational training operators, policymakers, and industry players to develop a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive human capital strategy aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. Over 300 participants from across the state are expected to attend and contribute to the engagement sessions and knowledge-sharing throughout the symposium.
Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul, Chief Executive Officer of IDS Sabah cum Chairman Organiser of the Symposium, highlighted that technical and vocational education should not be regarded as a second-choice path. Rather, TVET must become a core strategy in harnessing grassroots potential, strengthening local economies, and reducing opportunity gaps, particularly in rural and remote communities. He added that skills development should be informed not only by market demands but also by considering Sabah’s geographical realities and cultural heritage. “TVET cannot operate in isolation. We need a truly integrated ecosystem, not only at the policy level but also in implementation on the ground,” he said. He further emphasised that Sabah’s aspiration to become a highly skilled state can only be realised if its people are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with a strong sense of identity, cultural resilience, and appreciation of local knowledge systems.
Among the distinguished speakers featured in the symposium’s keynote speech sessions are Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul (IDS Chief Executive Officer), Datuk Mohd. Hanafiah Mohd. Kassim (MOSTI Sabah Permanent Secretary), Prof. Datuk Sr. Dr. Mohaizi Mohamad (NBUC President), Ir. Ts. Dr. Azmi bin Ahmad (JPK Deputy Director General), and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Hj. Shanusi Hj. Ahmad (Universiti Utara Malaysia TVET Management Coordinator). Five key sub-themes are highlighted throughout the symposium, encompassing the modernisation of training systems and the enhancement of career pathways; the expansion of access and assurance of inclusivity in holistic skills development; the role of TVET as a driver of innovation and transformative economic growth; the strengthening of synergy between educational institutions and industry to enhance workforce competitiveness; and the adaptation of best practices and global trends to strengthen Sabah’s TVET ecosystem.
With its comprehensive content and participation from diverse stakeholders, the symposium is expected to catalyse new approaches in shaping the future of skills education in Sabah. The participation fee is RM300 for the general public and RM100 for students.
For more information and to register, visit the official website at www.sabahtvet.nbuc.edu.my or follow the latest updates via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/SABAHTVET. For further enquiries, please contact the IDS Researcher, Mr. Romandyus Micheal, via email at romandyus.michael@ids.org.my or call 088-450500 / 017-860 5971.
