KOTA SAMARAHAN: Kolej Poly-Tech MARA’s (KPTM’s) decision to expand to Sarawak is expected to herald a new chapter in the state’s higher education landscape, particularly in providing technical and professional programmes that align with current industry demands.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said KPTM will begin operations in the state soon, with its first centre based in Kota Samarahan.
“We requested for KPTM to come to Sarawak, and the management of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) as well as the ministry have agreed.
“To begin with, operations will be housed in existing shoplot premises in Samarahan before a permanent campus is built in the same area,” she said when met at the Higher Education Tour (HIT) programme in Sarawak, organised by KPTM and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) at Summer Mall on Saturday.
The HIT programme aims to provide information and promote educational opportunities offered by institutions under MARA, including KPTM and UPTM, as well as through partnerships with local institutions such as i-CATS University College.
Rubiah, who is also Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament, said applications to KPTM and UPTM across the country have been very encouraging, with a graduate employability rate as high as 98 per cent.
“Previously, many Sarawakian students had to pursue their studies in Peninsular Malaysia to join KPTM programmes.
“It is now time for KPTM to be present in Sarawak and provide direct services,” she said.
She said the programmes offered include accounting, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), English A-Level, and food technology, in line with the state’s development needs and the Premier of Sarawak’s vision.
“KPTM offers diploma-level programmes, while UPTM offers bachelor’s degree programmes. Both institutions provide flexible education pathways that allow students to further their studies at other public or private universities.
“With industry-standard modern facilities, such as at the KPTM Lenggong campus which focuses on food technology, students not only receive academic training but are also exposed to the latest technologies in the market,” she explained.
She expressed hope that this initiative would expand access to quality higher education for more Sarawakian youth, in line with aspirations to produce highly skilled human capital from the state.
