Polytechnics will have greater autonomy to offer programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels in high-skill fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. The move, said the Higher Education Ministry in a Facebook post on Feb 11, is part of efforts to elevate the status of polytechnics and community colleges as a primary pathway for higher education. “Polytechnics and community colleges are no longer a second choice, nor are they a lower tier of education. He also noted that the Prime Minister had announced plans to upgrade an additional 10 polytechnics to Premier Polytechnic status under the National Higher Education Blueprint 2026–2035. Additionally, the ministry’s polytechnic education and community colleges department is aiming to produce a total of one million graduates by 2027.

Source: The Star April 12, 2026 11:40 UTC