SIBU: Sibu Vocational College (SVC) marked a significant moment in its educational history with the celebration of its 50th Golden Jubilee cum 2025 Alumni Year-End Dinner at a prominent hotel here on Saturday night.
It brought together former students, educators and invited guests in an evening filled with pride and reflection.
The guest of honour, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, in his speech expressed appreciation to SVC for sustaining an institution that had made a lasting impact over the past five decades.
“Fifty years is an extraordinary journey. SVC has never been just a building but a cradle of technical talent that has contributed immensely to Sibu, Sarawak and Malaysia,” he added.
His speech text was delivered by Councillor Paul Teo who attended on his behalf.
Reflecting on the institution’s transformation, Tiong who is also Bintulu Member of Parliament, acknowledged how SVC had evolved from offering basic vocational training to becoming a fully modernised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution aligned with industry needs.
“Alumni present tonight represent the many phases of this evolution, from early practical skills training to today’s innovation-driven TVET programmes,” he said.
He emphasised that TVET is now recognised as a primary pillar of national development.
“TVET is no longer a second choice. It is central to economic growth, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, automation, construction, logistics and technological services.” he pointed out.
He also underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to support TVET institutions across the country.
The government, he stated, remained committed to enhancing curriculum quality, deepening industry partnerships and expanding career pathways for graduates.
He said institutions like SVC were essential in building a competitive, future-ready workforce.
Meanwhile, Tiong also made a special call to all the alumni to remain engaged in supporting the institution’s future development.
“The bond between the college and its alumni is a bridge of excellence that must be preserved. Alumni are not merely reminders of the past; they are the architects of the institution’s future,” he stressed.
In relation to that, he expressed deep appreciation for the lecturers and support staff of SVC whose dedication had shaped the institution’s success over the past five decades.
He also called for continued collaboration between the college, industry and community.
“With strong partnership and renewed commitment, I am confident that SVC will continue to shine as one of the leading TVET institutions in Sarawak and Malaysia,” added Tiong, who is also Dudong state assemblyman.
Kuching Vocational College’s Director, Michael Akien; SVC’s Director, Mohamad Shariff Mat Saad; SVC Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) Chairman, Kamarulzaime Kamarulzaman; and SVC’s Deputy Director (Academic Support), Bohari Kamis; were among those present.
