By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SABAK BERNAM, Feb 23 — Polytechnic students should not view the institution as a second-class option, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
Instead, he said they must be confident in the significant role polytechnics play in enhancing technical and vocational education and training (TVET), especially as Selangor's strength lies in its human capital.
He also noted that the state government is actively building partnerships with various institutions and industry to ensure graduates' employability.
"Collaborations have been established with Siemens, Dassault Systems, BMW, Proton and Perodua, among others, to offer training that enhances skills and enable trainees to secure high-paying jobs.
"As such, students shouldn't feel polytechnics are second-class institutions. The TVET field has a huge potential and ought to be given serious attention," he said at the ‘Yok Moreh’ breaking fast programme with 2,400 Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah (PSIS) students here last night.
Also present was state executive councillor for rural development and unity and Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail.
Meanwhile, PSIS director Haslinda Abd Hamid said the polytechnic is committed to producing highly-skilled graduates that are able to contribute to the nation and state's development.
She pointed out that PSIS currently has 3,163 diploma and 79 foundation students, with 2,110 (65 per cent) of them from Selangor.
"Support from the state government in empowering the education agenda, student welfare and human capital development is very much appreciated," she said.
