Labuan could become a specialised training hub for the oil and gas, maritime and fisheries industries.
The government is exploring the proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Federal Territory.
The initiative aims to meet industry needs and create more employment opportunities for local youths.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it was examining the proposal with the National TVET Council of Malaysia (MTVET), the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and industry players.
The ministry provided the information in response to a parliamentary question from Labuan MP Dato’ Indera Dr Suhaili Abdul Rahman.
Labuan’s Existing TVET Programmes
Labuan Vocational College currently provides six technology programmes. These cover automotive, electrical, electronic, welding, industrial machining and construction.
Students can also access vocational education through selected secondary schools in Labuan.
However, the college has yet to establish specific industry partnerships in oil and gas, maritime or fisheries through an Authorised Training Centre (ATC) or an Industry Centre of Excellence (ICOE).
The ministry said existing partnerships with industries in Sabah and Sarawak already provide opportunities for technical training and skills development.
Industry Partnerships Offer a Model
The ministry highlighted collaborations involving Miri Vocational College and Bintulu Vocational College in Sarawak, as well as Likas Vocational College in Sabah.
These institutions work with Shell on the Industrial Welder Training Programme, known as Project LINK.
The programme involves Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Limited, Sarawak Shell Berhad and Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Such partnerships help students and instructors develop technical skills that match industry requirements.
In addition, Likas Vocational College has been recognised as an Authorised Training Centre for the Department of Environment’s Certification of Service Technician Programme. The programme covers refrigeration and air-conditioning technology.
New Opportunities for Labuan Vocational College
The government sees potential to build on Labuan Vocational College’s existing technical expertise.
Its current programmes in welding, industrial machining, electrical, electronic and automotive technology could support future specialised training.
At the same time, stronger partnerships with industry players could expand training opportunities in oil and gas, fabrication, maritime and fisheries.
These partnerships would help align course content with employers’ needs. They could also improve graduates’ chances of finding relevant jobs.
Proposal Still Under Consideration
The government is still assessing Labuan’s industrial strengths, workforce needs and potential areas of specialisation.
Further planning and industry cooperation will be important in deciding how the proposed centre could operate.
If developed, the initiative could help local youths gain practical skills for industries that support Labuan’s economy.
It could also strengthen cooperation between training institutions, government agencies and employers.
For now, the proposed TVET Centre of Excellence remains under consideration as the government evaluates its potential and future direction.
Source: Press KL | Rewritten By Minutesmy
