Politeknik & Kolej Komuniti Journal of Life Long Learning

TVET and the Economic Competitiveness of Sarawak: The Role of the Mechanical Engineering Certificate Program in Developing a Skilled Workforce

MOHD GHAFRAN MOHAMED — 2025-07-01

Mechanical engineering is crucial to today's industrialisation, with mechanical systems' design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance. As technology advances and hence generates more need for skilled workers, Malaysia has prioritised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to boost its human capital, particularly in Sarawak. The Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 emphasises the development of skilled labour to meet growing industrial needs. Despite Sarawak's industrial economy development, spanning the oil and gas, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, the demand for skilled mechanical experts remains low. Consequently, the industry is experiencing a worker shortage, paving the way for dependency on foreign workers. Existing TVET institutions do not adequately cater to industry demand, and no systematic training program is aligned with emerging technologies. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain the feasibility and impact of a CME in Sarawak to develop sustainable human resources. This study aims to determine the feasibility and demand for offering a CME at Politeknik Mukah and its impact on the local workforce, industry needs, and economic growth. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study interviewed 234 secondary school students, 33 polytechnic lecturers, and 49 industry representatives from various industries, gauging their perceptions of TVET education. Moreover, in-depth insights into industry expectations and workforce demands were gained through semi-structured interviews with six government stakeholders and industry experts. Results show strong industry support for the program, as evidenced by 96.7% of companies surveyed agreeing on the relevance of mechanical engineering training and more than 70% of high school students were interested in enrolling. Industry stakeholders recognised the need for skilled mechanical technicians in maintenance, automation, and renewable energy. Employers further asserted that a TVET certificate programme would address labour shortages, increase productivity, and align education with the needs of the labour market, making Sarawak more economically robust. The study testifies that a CME would significantly increase Sarawak's skilled workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labour and industrial development. The suggestions are for harmonising TVET education to address the needs of industry for long-term economic sustainability and technological development in Sarawak. Hence, Politeknik Mukah can consider offering this programme in response to future labour demand and PCDS 2030 targets.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme at Ledang Community College on Local Entrepreneur Development in Tangkak

Faridah Shariyah Sharuddin — 2025-07-01

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of digital entrepreneurship programs conducted by Ledang Community College in advancing local entrepreneurship in Tangkak. The study uses a theoretical framework that combines Adult Learning Theory and Entrepreneurship Theory to assess the skills and performance of entrepreneurs after participating in the program. The study methodology includes the use of VARK questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of secondary data taken from participants' business records. The findings showed that there was a significant improvement in the understanding of entrepreneurial concepts and the application of digital skills in the business operations of participants. Interviews with course participants emphasize the effectiveness of practical learning modules that are relevant to the needs of the market. Secondary data shows an increase in revenue and sales, signaling an improvement in business performance after the completion of the course. The conclusion of this study found that the digital entrepreneurship program is a valuable initiative in entrepreneurial education. The course was successful in strengthening the capacity of entrepreneurs to compete in the global market as well as assisting in the development of the local economy in Tangkak. These results underline the need for integration and improvement of digital entrepreneurship programs to support the growth of entrepreneurs in the dynamic digital age. This study provides strong evidence of the importance of digital entrepreneurship education in an era of knowledge-based and technology-based economies and urges the development of more oriented programs on practical applications to enhance the success of local entrepreneurs.

The Level of Entrepreneurial Competency among Lecturers at Melaka Polytechnic

Fariza Haidayu Mohd Hashim — 2025-07-01

Abstract

Politeknik Melaka an institution under Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia is required to carry out the duties as educators effectively. This study aims to identify the level of entrepreneurial competence among lecturers of Politeknik Melaka to apply entrepreneurial elements in their teaching. Furthermore, this study was also conducted to estimate the role of entrepreneurial competence to judge the relationship between internal entrepreneurial attitudes and the willingness to apply entrepreneurial elements of lecturers at Politeknik Melaka. This study was conducted to examine the level of competence among Polytechnic Lecturers, to examine the gender differences on the level of competence and the significance of competence with gender. The data of this study used a questionnaire analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Respondents consisted of 30 lecturers from Politeknik Melaka who were selected at random. The findings of the study as a whole provide alternative answers on how the entrepreneurial competencies found among lecturers of Politeknik Melaka are able to determine the readiness of the application of entrepreneurial elements among them.

Keywords: Tendency of lecturers; Lecturers at Politeknik Melaka; Entrepreneurship.

Prediction of Tap Changing Transformer Losses Minimization using Artificial Neural Network

Khairol Adha Ahmad — 2025-07-01

This research proposes a stable and efficient approach to estimating real power losses in tap-changing transformers using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. Power losses can have a substantial impact on the stability of the electrical supply to customers, especially when increased power demands cause uneven voltage profiles. Tap-changing transformers are crucial for adjusting output voltages to the desired levels. The suggested ANN algorithm was tested on an IEEE 30-bus system, and the findings show a high correlation between the training and testing outputs, with the correlation coefficient (R) approaching unity. This indicates the reliability and accuracy of the ANN model in determining the optimal tap setting for minimizing losses. The paper also underscores the significance of transmission loss and the associated costs. This indicates the reliability and accuracy of the ANN model in determining the optimal tap setting for minimizing losses. The paper also underscores the significance of transmission loss and the associated costs.