Kangar: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a vital role in producing highly skilled, creative, and innovative human capital that is well-equipped to face future challenges. The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, emphasized this point during his address at the 2026 Northern Zone Polytechnic and Community College Convocation Ceremony held at Dewan Harumanis, Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (PTSS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Royal Highness stated that in today's rapidly changing world, innovation is not merely an option but a foundational element for national progress and competitiveness. His remarks highlighted the impact of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and digitalization on transforming the employment and industrial landscape.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin expressed a desire for the culture of innovation to be continuously nurtured among polytechnic staff and graduates. He emphasized that innovation involves not just generating new ideas but also translating these ideas into solutions that benefit society and contribute to national development.
During his speech, the Raja of Perlis also urged graduates to uphold noble values, insisting that knowledge and skills must be paired with strong moral principles, integrity, and patriotism. He remarked, "Outstanding graduates are not judged solely by their expertise, but also by their honesty, trustworthiness, and good character. Continue to move forward with confidence, make full use of the knowledge and skills you have acquired, and become individuals who contribute meaningfully to society, the state, and the nation."
Meanwhile, PTSS issued a statement in conjunction with the convocation ceremony, revealing that the event, which runs until August 9, gathers 6,104 polytechnic and community college graduates from Perlis, Kedah, and Penang. In the first session of the convocation ceremony, Teerti Ganapathi Rao, a 22-year-old Diploma in Digital Technology graduate from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (JTMK) at PTSS, was honored with the Director-General of Polytechnic and Community College Education Award.