In collaboration with the Department of Polytechnic and College Community Education (DPCCE), Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Malaysia, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) successfully conducted the Regional Program on “Research Methodology for TVET Leaders and Practitioners”, held from May 5 to 9, 2025 at the Hotel Royal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The training program was joined by 17 TVET practitioners from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Designed to build research capacity among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) professionals, the program focused on strengthening participants’ skills in applying research methods for evidence-based decision-making and innovation. It also aimed to deepen their understanding of research methodologies relevant to the TVET context and promote regional collaboration in advancing TVET systems.
The overall program was supervised by Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja, CPSC Director General; and YBrs Dato Dr. Hj. Mohd Zahari Bin Ismail, DPCCE Director General. Meanwhile, Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, CPSC Faculty Consultant, served as Program Coordinator, with support from local coordinators Ms. Nawwar Adibah Binti Wahid, Dr. Syafizwan Nizam bin Mohd Faroque, and Ms. Hazira Binti Saleh of DPCCE.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the program's Chief Guest Ms. Zainah Rujihan, DPCCE Director of the Industry Liaison & Employability Division, Malaysia. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of research in enhancing the quality and impact of TVET across the region. The CPSC Director General Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja welcomed all the participants and guests in his welcome remarks. He also highlighted the critical role of research in strengthening the TVET sector.
Prof. Dr. Dhameja presents his special lecture about research in the Asia Pacific
After the opening ceremony, CPSC Director General Prof. Dr. Suresh Kumar Dhameja delivered a special lecture on “An Overview of Research in Asia Pacific”. Following this, the five-day training proceeded with lectures, group discussions, and theme paper presentations. These sessions were facilitated by Dr. Kesavan; Dr. Thevaneyan David, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia; Dr. Shathees Baskaran, Associate Professor at Azman Hashim International Business School; and Dr. Parameswari A/P Shunmugam, Lecturer at Polytechnic Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.
Commemorative group photo during the International Conference on “Transforming TVET for a Sustainable Future: Research, Policy, and Innovation” held on May 8, 2025
Moreover, an international conference titled “Transforming TVET for a Sustainable Future: Research, Policy, and Innovation” was conducted on May 8, 2025, which was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Dhameja with his keynote session on sustainability, research and innovation. The conference also featured the following resource speakers: Dr. Samsuri Abdullah, Director of Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO); Dr. Noriah binti Abdul Malek@Malek, Director of Research and Innovation Unit, DPCCE; and Dr. Chandra Sagaran Muniandy, Chairman of Malaysian Green Technology Society. Their sessions discussed TVET policy, governance, research-driven strategies, innovation, and sustainable development as integrated in TVET and research. An open forum ensued after the keynote sessions delivered by the resource persons.
The participants engage in a study visit to TESLA as part of the regional program
Aside from the sessions, the participants had a study visit to TESLA, where they observed the best practices and industry-aligned innovation initiatives of the company, as an extension of the learning experience from the training program.
The five-day training officially concluded with a closing ceremony held on May 9, 2025. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to expand their research knowledge, build networks, and gain practical tools to elevate the quality and impact of TVET in their respective countries.
