Increase in student enrollment at polytechnics, community colleges

SHAH ALAM - The enrollment of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates in polytechnics and community colleges has increased by nearly 20 per cent for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.

Ministry of Higher Education Senior Academic Director for Polytechnic and Community College Education Department Mohd Noor Shahudin said that polytechnics and community colleges have accepted 118,000 students, compared to approximately 90,000 students the previous year.

"It appears that the new generation is showing renewed interest in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), possibly due to the recovery from Covid-19 and the stabilisation of the situation.

"Currently, we have 118,000 students, including the 20 percent increase, and our target is 120,000 students," he said.

He said this when met at the Opening Ceremony of the CIDOS Inspiring Learning Awards (eDOLA) 11th Malaysia Polytechnic and Community College Digital Learning Innovation Competition in Shah Alam on Wednesday.

Shahudin noted that most of the 36 polytechnics and 105 community colleges across the country reported a significant increase in new student admissions, with some places seeing particularly encouraging numbers.

"Most polytechnics have exceeded their admission targets in the last two or three days, such as Balik Pulau Polytechnic.

Before Covid-19, we reduced admissions due to declining numbers, but now admissions are on the rise again," he added.

Fields of study in high demand at polytechnics and community colleges include electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering (automotive), civil engineering, architecture, food technology, information technology (digital technology), creative technology, culinary arts, trade and tourism, and hospitality.