VC shares views on strengthening TVET Agenda at Bumiputera Education Congress

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 May 2026 — The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, shared her views on strengthening the National TVET Agenda, which not only addresses the challenges of the Industrial Revolution but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable Bumiputera economic empowerment.

She delivered her speech during the Bumiputera Education Congress titled ‘Advanced TVET Transformation: Driving Industrial Innovation and Bumiputera Employability’ held at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) recently.

According to Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah, in strengthening the future of Bumiputera education through a more progressive, dynamic, and relevant approach aligned with current needs, UMPSA focuses on advanced TVET, which is the university’s niche area as a public university under the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN).
“At UMPSA, we have developed a framework known as the Advanced TVET Blueprint,” she said.

UMPSA’s Advanced TVET ecosystem is also supported by modern and advanced facilities, courses offered, lecturers and experts available, as well as industry recognition from within and outside the country, such as Academy Bosch Rexroth, Academy Wecon, and the IMI Professional EV Certification Centre.

She added that there are four main focus areas for Advanced TVET transformation at UMPSA, namely Advanced Mobility & Aerospace.

“This field focuses on the evolution of land and air transportation systems through the integration of automation technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

“In addition, Advanced Materials & Circular Economy focuses primarily on the creation of new materials that are stronger, lighter, and more sustainable, as well as continuous resource management.

“The Sustainable Infrastructure & Smart Construction field also transforms the traditional construction industry into a more efficient and environmentally friendly digital ecosystem,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Energy Transition & Green Technology field is supported by technologies such as AI and machine learning, IoT, robotics and automation, as well as cybersecurity.

She further explained that through these four Advanced TVET focus areas, UMPSA graduates will benefit from socioeconomic empowerment through strategic sectors such as Advanced Mobility and Aerospace, as well as Technopreneur Development.

“Other areas include Bumiputera Contractor Dominance in the Digital Era within the Sustainable Infrastructure & Smart Construction field and Green and Sustainable Energy Transition,” she added.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah also shared that UMPSA recorded a 99.1% Graduate Employability (GE) rate, with graduates securing employment within six months after graduation.

“UMPSA is the only public university in Malaysia recognised as the best Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in the Asia Pacific by the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission.

“More proudly, UMPSA is the only public university in Malaysia accredited with the international certification of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), United Kingdom, as one of the training centres for hybrid and electric vehicles,” she said.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah expressed hope that, as a driver of change through the Bumiputera Education Congress, more opportunities would be provided for industry collaboration, particularly in R&D projects.

“In addition, it is hoped that the government will continue supporting universities such as UMPSA through education scholarships, research grants, and TVET infrastructure development,” she said.

Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah delivered her speech before more than 5,000 congress participants, involving six main sessions, 25 expert presenters, and six chairpersons and moderators.

The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, who is also Chairman of the Bumiputera Education Congress.

The Bumiputera Education Congress 2026 successfully brought together the nation’s leading figures from various fields within the education system, ranging from preschool and school education to higher education.

By: Mimi Rabita Haji Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press