Pengerang: Educational institutions must be able to expedite the introduction of new courses and disciplines to produce more skilled workers and local experts, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that this is essential to ensure the country does not fall behind in the pace of development, particularly in high-technology fields.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that universities often take a long time to approve new programs, which is no longer suitable given the rapid pace of technological advancement today. He emphasized that a delay of up to two years to introduce new disciplines can cause the country to lag, especially in information technology and digital fields evolving rapidly. Anwar made these comments while speaking at the launch of the Pengerang Vocational College project at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tanjung Pengelih.

Also in attendance were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said. Anwar further elaborated on the need to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions with new fields and disciplines in line with evolving industry needs.

He noted that there have been encouraging achievements in TVET, with experts now more capable than before. Anwar stressed that the country must be driven with renewed dynamism and cannot afford to fall behind, urging that TVET be elevated to the highest level. He also emphasized the importance of the younger generation mastering these new skills and fields to reduce the country's reliance on foreign labor in critical sectors.

Anwar announced that the government has approved an allocation of RM100 million for the construction of the Pengerang Vocational College project, describing it as a strategic move in line with Pengerang's position as the nation's oil and gas industry hub. He insisted that the project should be expedited and follow a fixed construction schedule to ensure it benefits the people and the Pengerang area.

The project, expected to be completed in 2030, will be implemented in two phases and cover the construction of new buildings, refurbishment, and upgrading works, as well as the procurement of furniture and equipment. The vocational college, with a maximum capacity of 360 students, will offer courses supporting the national oil and gas industry ecosystem, including Welding Technology (Oil and Gas), Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Automotive Technology, and Information Technology (Cybersecurity Systems).