Abstract:

Transforming Malaysia from an agricultural based economy to high tech industries predominantly has shaping the culture of teaching and learning process at polytechnics in order to meet global recognition. As an outcome of overflowing interest from international investors putting their concern to invest in Malaysia from SME (Small Medium Enterprise) to high end technologies has stipulate for highly competent labours in knowledge and skills which Polytechnic committed to produce thru technical and vocational education. It also demonstrates the success of Malaysia as an exporter and major business and investment. At present, thru the ETP (Economic Transformation Program) Malaysia have established 27 polytechnics nationwide in engineering, agriculture, commerce, hospitality and design courses to meet target of 87,440 students in 2012. The vision of Polytechnic Education Department in providing quality, efficient and customer-friendly services to the highest level of objectivity, confidentiality, integrity and professionalism has shaped the curriculum design to meet the international standard. Nevertheless, Polytechnic has set aim and objectives to upholding creative learning atmosphere for an innovation-led economy and becoming a number one provider of innovative human capital through transformational education and training for the global workforce by 2015. In order to be recognized and to be chosen as a first choice of public institution by Malaysian’s youths, certification of recognitions from ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001:2008 by SIRIM (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) and MQF (Malaysian Qualification Framework) is a must. The Malaysian Qualification Framework refers to the policy framework that satisfies both the national and international qualifications based on educational outcomes. It enables international recognition and provides mobility of graduates especially with the advent of the Washington, Dublin and Sydney Accords. The projected outcomes of qualifications are to enable professional bodies to gauge their contribution to professional formation and articulate links with qualifications from other countries. Therefore, to be a leader in TVET (Technical, Vocational, Education and Training) education and be renowned by global standard, Ministry of Higher Education has upgrading the status of 3 polytechnics to be premier colleges and becoming a benchmarking to others. Aims of owning a TVET College Universities in 2015 set inspiration of many lecturers to work hard in achieving 56 KPI (Key Performance Index). In culmination of hard work to provide prominent education, highly motivated and talented workers with competitive knowledge and skill should be able to meet demand of local and international workforce.

Keywords:

Small Medium Enterprise, Economic Transformation Program, Technical Vocational Education and Training, Premier College, Malaysian Qualification Framework.