POLYCC RAMP UP STRATEGIES TO ENSURE INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

JASIN, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) are stepping up long-term planning to create a more inclusive and accessible higher education landscape for persons with disabilities (PwD), in line with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035.

Polytechnic Education and Community College Department director-general Dr Shamsuri Abdullah said this was reflected in today’s launch of the PwD Education Development Plan, a strategic framework aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the institutions.

“The plan provides comprehensive policies and guidelines covering curriculum design, the development of new programmes and infrastructure improvements to support the needs of students with disabilities at polytechnics and community colleges.

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“This plan serves as a strategic framework to empower students with disabilities at polytechnics and community colleges, ensuring both academic support and a conducive learning environment,” he told reporters after officiating the Aspiration Ceremony of the Director-General of Polytechnic and Community College Education 2026 at Merlimau Melaka Polytechnic (PMM) here today.

Elaborating, Shamsuri said that through the plan, POLYCC would explore offering a wider range of programmes, including for visually impaired students, to ensure more equitable access to education.

He said that, according to data, between 300 and 400 students with disabilities are enrolled in each new intake, spanning seven categories such as learning and hearing impairments.

Shamsuri said that five polytechnics currently offer the Exclusive Education Programme for Students with Disabilities (PPEP OKU), namely Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic, Ungku Omar Polytechnic, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic and Kota Kinabalu Polytechnic.

“Various specialised courses tailored to specific skill areas are offered, including the Special Certificate in Catering Operations, Mechanical Maintenance, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Construction.

“The PPEP OKU is also offered at community colleges, including in Gerik, Chenderoh, Kuala Terengganu, Selayang and Bayan Baru across various fields,” he said.

Shamsuri also said polytechnics and community colleges are aiming to produce more than one million graduates by next year, in line with their mission to supply quality, skilled graduates to meet labour market demands and support national development.

He said the target would be supported by graduates’ high employability rates, achieved through close collaboration with industry and programmes tailored to current needs.

Meanwhile, Shamsuri said the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Bachelor’s Degree programme would be offered at Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Polytechnic and Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah Polytechnic, focusing on electricity and electronics to fulfil the needs of the industrial sector in the northern region.

-- BERNAMA