SANDAKAN: The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) has launched a paradigm shift in Sabah’s skills education landscape through a large-scale promotion of the UP_TVET Portal and the Recognition of Prior Achievement Transformation (PPT 2.0).
This initiative aims to ensure that Sabah locals are no longer left behind in securing high-income job opportunities, aligning with the industrial surge in the region, such as at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) and the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the launch of PPT 2.0 is a “game changer” for the future of the country’s workforce, as the Madani Government seeks to “democratise” access to certification so that those with skills receive immediate recognition.
“Many of our locals are experts in the field; unfortunately, they lack formal certification. Consequently, they find it difficult to gain promotions or be paid a salary commensurate with the actual expertise they possess.
“Therefore, PPT 2.0 brings about a drastic change involving virtual guidance, workplace assessments and industry-recognised certificates validated directly by employers, supervisors and colleagues,” he said.
His speech was read by Skills Development Department (JPK) Director-General Ir Ts Dr Kamaruzaman Md Ali at the programme’s launch ceremony held at Adtec JTM Sandakan Campus on Monday.
The event was attended by 345 individuals, including students and teachers from 15 secondary schools around Sandakan, along with managers of accredited centres in Sabah.
Khairul also emphasised that the integration of digital technology into the skills ecosystem via the MySPIKEv2 system will end the era of burdensome bureaucracy for applicants.
Key focuses of this transformation include ‘Single Entry’ Access (UP_TVET), where school students can now apply to various TVET institutions under 12 ministries through a single link at [
https://mohon.tvet.gov.my/](
https://mohon.tvet.gov.my/), thereby eliminating the confusion of separate applications.
Additionally, the initiative focuses on Democratising Certification (PPT 2.0) and MySpike V2, providing opportunities for experienced workers in Sabah who possess high skills but no formal recognition to obtain the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) through virtual guidance and direct assessments at construction sites or workshops.
“In tandem with this, we are also introducing the Malaysia TVET Rating standards to ensure that talents from Sabah are recognised not only at the national level but also by global industry players.
“We want the youth in Sandakan and throughout Sabah to view TVET as the ‘currency’ of the future. Today’s world no longer asks only what you know, but what you can do. Through the UP_TVET portal, the gateway to a career is now wider than ever for them,” he said.
The roadshow programme is a collaborative effort between JPK, Adtec JTM Sandakan Campus, Adtec JTM Kota Kinabalu Campus and the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC), with the full support of the Sabah Education Department.
