Department of Polyteclinic and Community College Education

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

Since the setting-up of its first trade school, namely 'Sekolah Ketukangan' in 1926, technical and vocational education in Malaysia has undergone tremendous change with the establishment of many vocational and technical schools, polytechnics and community colleges.

In 1964, the Technical and Vocational Educational Division (TAVED) of the Ministry of Education, Malaysia was established to promote technical and vocational education in the country. Later in October 1995, it was accorded departmental status and was known as the Technical Education Department (TED). Apart from conceptualizing policies, the newly-upgraded department also set the direction for technical and vocational education to ensure compliance with the industrialization and modernization programmes of the country. The first polytechnic was established in 1969 and in 2001 the first community college was set up.

In March 2004, the government's quest for a quality delivery system of tertiary education in Malaysia led to the formation of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) which plays an important role in determining the policies and direction of the higher education sector in order to build an excellent and outstanding nation, rich in knowledge, culture and civilization. This new development saw the birth of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE).

DPCCE is one of the four departments / sectors under the jurisdiction of MOHE. The other three departments / sectors are the Department of Higher Education, the Management Sector and the Development Sector.

Bringing MOHE a step closer to realizing its aspiration, i.e. to build an excellent and outstanding nation, rich in knowledge, culture and civilization, DPCCE has taken the initiative to review its vision, mission, objectives, strategies and activities.

DPCCE aspires to become a world class education and training provider to fulfill the human capital needs of the nation.

DPCCE is committed to providing education and training at Polytechnics and Community Colleges to fulfill the human capital needs of the nation through strategic management, relevant and dynamic curricula, effective training and career development programmes, continuous quality assurance and strong support services based on the National Education Philosophy.  

Objectives of DPCCE  

• Produce quality graduates through dynamic and relevant education and training programmes in line with the advancement of technology and the needs of industries.  

• Provide quality learning environment and resources.  

• Provide adequate and competent staff.  

• Ensure an efficient and effective management system.  

• Increase internationalization programmes.

Functions of DPCCE  

• To conceptualize, determine and realize the policy and direction of polytechnic and community college education system from the aspects of development and institutional management, programmes, staff training and quality assurance in line with the needs of industries (technical, commercial and service sectors) and the nation.  

• To plan and monitor the operations of polytechnics and community colleges.  

• To plan and develop a curriculum that is relevant to the needs of the industries, communities and nation.  

• To plan and execute staff training and career development programmes.  

• To plan and develop quality assurance and a control system.  

• To plan and manage administrative, financial and staffing requirements, and service matters.  

Organization Structure  

The department is made up of two sectors and 14 divisions and one administration support unit that manage Malaysian government polytechnics and communities colleges towards excellence through the coordination of policies, funding and activities.  

These divisions are:  

Polytechnic Management Sector  

• Academic Development Division • Evaluation and Examination Division • Student Welfare Division • Student Intake Division  

Community College Management Sector

 • Academic Development Division • Evaluation and Examination Division • Student Welfare Division • Student Intake Division  

Policy Planning Division

Research & Development Division

Curriculum Development Division

Training & Career Division

Industrial Liaison Division

Alumni & Tracer Study Division

Administration Support Unit

Courses Offered  

Polytechnics  

Polytechnics aim at producing semi- professionals in the fields of engineering, commerce, information technology & communication, hospitality and services. The total enrolment of full-time students as at July 2007 is about 83,000.  

The courses currently offered are:  

• 45 diploma programmes • 24 certificate programmes • 12 bridging programmes • 5 special skills programmes  

(In 2008, 5 Advanced Diploma programmes will be offered)  

Community Colleges  

Community Colleges also aim at producing semi-professionals in the fields of engineering, commerce, information technology & communication, hospitality and services. These colleges provide training and skills to the local community through short term part-time courses. The total enrolment of full-time students as at July 2007 is about 14,000.  

The courses currently offered are:  

• 5 diploma programmes (work-based learning) • 21 certificate programmes  

DPCCE is set to develop a world- class polytechnic and community college education system. The Strategic Plan 2005- 2010 has been formulated and it outlines the vision, mission, objectives, strategies and action plan which enable the DPCCE to elevate the polytechnics and community colleges as institutions of excellence and hub of lifelong learning. To achieve this, five targets have been identified:  

• To produce quality graduates through dynamic and relevant education and training programmes in line with the advancement of technology and the needs of industries.  

• To provide quality learning environment and resources.  

• To provide adequate and competent staff.  

• To ensure an efficient and effective management system.  

• To increase internationalization programmes.

INDEX : Universities 27-1-2008 July 05, 2008 10:55:19 AM