Public-Private Partnerships And Industry Collaboration For Advancing Tvet: A Review Of Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin

Abstract

This paper investigates how public-private partnerships (PPPs) and industry collaboration can strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia, using Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (PSMZA) as a case study. Guided by the Hala Tuju, Transformasi Politeknik 2023–2030 framework, the study emphasizes the importance of structured industry engagement in enhancing curriculum relevance, promoting work-based learning, supporting applied research, and fostering entrepreneurship. PSMZA exemplifies effective collaboration through curriculum co-development with industry, student industrial placements, joint research initiatives, and the creation of Centres of Excellence. These efforts demonstrate strong alignment with industry needs and highlight how institutional partnerships can bridge the gap between education and employment. Despite these strengths, the paper also identifies key challenges, including limited resources, misaligned expectations between stakeholders, and the need to keep pace with technological changes. To overcome these obstacles, the study recommends increasing government support, strengthening industry- education engagement, upskilling educators, and improving assessment practices. This case study reinforces the critical role of innovative PPPs and sustained industry collaboration in transforming Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem. By adopting such strategies, institutions like PSMZA can better prepare graduates with relevant, future-ready skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.