Its minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, said the move is to provide better career progression opportunities for graduates of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes upon completing their studies at community colleges.

“In the past, they might have been limited to applying to technical universities only. Now, we are opening up opportunities for them to continue their education at a higher level, whether at universities or polytechnics, based on their qualifications and the courses they have completed,” he said.

Zambry, who is an Umno Supreme Council member, said this when met by reporters after opening the Setiawangsa Umno delegates meeting here today.

He said the ministry is also formulating a new policy to review the effectiveness of community colleges in producing skilled local talent by ensuring the courses offered are aligned with current industry needs.

The ministry is also assessing the feasibility of establishing community colleges in urban areas to expand access to technical education and skills training, he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Setiawangsa Umno chief Izudin Ishak urged the government to establish more educational institutions in the Setiawangsa area, suggesting that at least one community college be set up, to serve as a catalyst for human capital development, particularly for local youth.