Sabah focuses on Developing Human Capital, Strengthening Technical Education And Vocational Training

The focus and investment on human capital development remains high on the state government’s priority list. The state’s SMJ Development Plan has a RM1.33 billion allocation to develop human capital, including RM848.26 million for education and RM485 million for talent and skills development programs. Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said quality human capital is the most important long-term investment for local youths.

“Sabah needs a local workforce that is highly educated and skilled. We put emphasis on education and skills training through various initiatives. Though education and training, the state strengthens its human capital development agenda to create a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive future for the youths. We keep pushing for more children to enroll in technical education and vocational training (TVET) including in construction, manufacturing and in new areas such as the digital economy, tourism, and modern agriculture," Hajiji said at the PETRONAS 2025 Education Sponsorship Award Presentation ceremony on 4th August 2025 at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

Hajiji added that the TVET sector has grown steadily, and, among the various progresses, the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) is now an accredited institution under the Code of Practice for TVET Programme Accreditation (COPTPA). TVET is a key choice and pathway to a stable and high-value career in the future economy, Hajiji said. PETRONAS Education Sponsorship Awards and PETRONAS Small Scholarships are positive synergy between the State Government and the industrial sector to building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive future, he added.