TDA Strengthens Sabah’s TVET, Renewable Energy Talent Development

KOTA KINABALU, 31 July 2026 – Technology Depository Agency Bhd (TDA) has launched two initiatives under the PMU Beaufort Project to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and renewable energy skills development in Sabah. 

It includes the contribution of electrical equipment for teaching and research, alongside the establishment of a Renewable Energy Training and Research Centre at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu. 

The initiatives are implemented under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia’s Industrial Collaboration Program (ICP), which is monitored by TDA to support technology transfer, talent development and local industry capabilities through selected government procurement projects.

TDA chairman Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah said the programme showed how government procurement could create wider benefits beyond infrastructure development.

“The Industrial Collaboration Program ensures that strategic government procurement creates sustainable national value through technology transfer, talent development and knowledge sharing.

TDA And Sabah’s TVET

“By strengthening collaboration between government, industry and academia, ICP contributes towards building a competitive local workforce capable of supporting Malaysia’s transition to a high value, technology driven economy,” he said.

The initiatives are carried out with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), ICP provider Unimekar Sdn Bhd, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu.

Under the programme, transformer and switchgear equipment will be provided to UMS and Politeknik Kota Kinabalu for teaching and research purposes.

The equipment will be converted into training models to help students understand the internal components, engineering principles and operational functions of high voltage electrical systems through practical learning.

The collaboration also includes training modules developed by engineering professionals and academic institutions to equip graduates with skills aligned with industry requirements.

The programme also includes the establishment of a Renewable Energy Training and Research Centre at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu with an investment of RM156,000.

The centre will be Sabah’s first facility to offer the Off Grid Photovoltaic (OGPV) System Design Certification recognised by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia and the Energy Commission of Sabah.

The facility is expected to accommodate about 30 participants per training session, including students, lecturers and industry practitioners, while supporting professional certification programmes, renewable energy research, continuous skills enhancement and upskilling and reskilling programmes for the energy sector.

The PMU Beaufort ICP supports efforts to strengthen local talent, technology transfer and industry participation through government procurement projects, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.