Ownership & Management
The Politeknik & Kolej Komuniti Journal of Engineering and Technology (PMJET) is published by the Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (JPPKK) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. As the central authority overseeing polytechnics and community colleges, JPPKK plays a vital role in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and ensuring its alignment with national development and industrial priorities.
TVET in polytechnics was first introduced in Malaysia with the establishment of the first institution, Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Perak, in 1969, under the United Nations development plan. Its development was further strengthened with the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Education in 1979 and the implementation of the first National Industrial Master Plan (1985–1995). Subsequent initiatives, including the Cabinet Committee's Certificate on Training (1991), facilitated the establishment of additional polytechnics and the expansion of study programmes in engineering, commerce, and services. On 20 November 2009, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a memorandum from the Minister of Higher Education regarding the direction of polytechnic transformation, focusing on four key objectives: empowering polytechnics to become comparable alternatives to public universities; developing study and research programmes aligned with each polytechnic's strengths; equipping polytechnic staff and students with advanced knowledge and skills. and cultivating a high-performance work culture with an excellent reputation.
To date, 36 polytechnics and 106 community colleges have been established nationwide to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower in line with the rapid development of the industrial sector. Polytechnics and community colleges play a vital role in expanding access to quality higher education through recognised TVET-based programmes. They are committed to producing holistic graduates with entrepreneurial competencies and well-balanced attributes while strengthening smart partnerships with industry and other stakeholders.
The academic programmes offered span engineering, technology, commerce, and services at the certificate, diploma and bachelor's degree levels. These programmes are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to meet evolving workforce needs. This reinforces the role of polytechnics and community colleges as major contributors to the nation's pool of TVET-trained workers.
Aligned with the Malaysia Madani agenda, polytechnics serve as catalysts for national development by addressing three of its six core pillars: sustainability, well-being, and creativity. Through the empowerment of TVET, polytechnics emphasise competitiveness and sustainability by cultivating a culture of resilience and excellence and by fostering a dynamic, future-oriented learning ecosystem. These efforts are essential to ensure that TVET education in Malaysia remains relevant, competitive, and responsive to national aspirations (Source: 2024 Polytechnic and Community College Information Booklet)
Refer to Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti for more information.
