10 Established Polytechnics in Malaysia

1. Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO), Perak

PUO, which is located in Ipoh, Perak, was established in 1969 by the Ministry of Education, with the assistance from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and today stands proud with over 700 staff, 8 faculties and 12 administrative units. The polytechnic takes name from the late Dato’ Professor Ungku Omar, one of the famous academicians during the post independence years.

Courses include: Civil Engineering, Electric, Mechanical, Marine, Commerce, IT & Communication, Mathematics, Science & Computer. Address: Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. Tel: 05-5457 656.

2. Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Selangor

Also more popularly known as Politeknik Shah Alam (PSA), which was the original name of the institution, before it was changed to the current name, which is the country’s eleventh Agong. PSA is the first polytechnic in the country to have obtained the ISO 9002:1994 from SIRIM. It consists of 6 main faculties – Mechanical, Civil, Electric, Commerce, Mathematics & Computer and Science. Address: Persiaran Usahawan, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. Tel: 03-5569 1901.

3. Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah (POLIMAS), Kedah

POLIMAS is located in Bandar Darul Aman, Jitra, Kedah, about 40 minutes drive from the state capital, Alor Star. Originally, it was named Politeknik Alor Star when first established and was used by students of Sekolah Menengah Teknik Alor Star. From only 100 over students in the beginning, the institution has grown into providing various courses to more than 6000 students, backed by over 600 academic staff. The polytechnic’s website provides useful resources, download and applications for the use of both the students and teaching personnel. Address: Bandar Darul Aman, Jitra, 06000, Kedah. Tel: 04-9146 100.

4. Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP), Penang

Politeknik Seberai Perai is the 10th polytechnic institution established in the country, aligned with the government’s wish to produce more semi and full time professionals in the employment market, and was built in a land area of 100 acres in size. PSP offers full time and part time Certificates and Diploma courses in the field of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Commerce. Address: Jalan Permatang Pauh, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Penang. Tel: 04-5383 322/ 538 2599.

5. Politeknik Merlimau, Melaka

Located in Jasin, Politeknik Merlimau began its operation in 2002 as the 14th polytechnic in the Malaysia and today its main campus has the capability to provide more than 5000 students at one time. 7 faculties make up the institution, namely Civil, Mechanical, Commerce, Math & Science, Hospitality, Electrical and General Education. The campus comes together with a host of facilities including hostel, Islamic center, library, cafeteria and a sports center. Address: KB No. 1031, Pejabat Pos Merlimau, Merlimau, 77300, Melaka.

6. Politeknik Kuching (PKS), Sarawak

Established in 1987, PKS began its operation with only a handful of staff in a 112-acre land. The location of the institution which is right at the bottom of Serapi Hill provides a very conducive, fresh and peaceful study environment. Just like other polytechnics, PKS offers higher learning and training opportunities for SPM, STPM and SPMV students and leavers. One of the unique characteristics of PKS is its close partnership with PETRONAS in extending the relevant courses and industrial exposure to its students. Address: Beg Berkunci 3094, Matang, Kuching, 93050, Sarawak.

7. Politeknik Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Politeknik Kota Bharu took 400 hundred students in its first intake, which now has grown multiple times into having close to 6000 students in its campus. The first campus was located in Sekolah Menengah Teknik Pasir Mas, before it moved to the current location in Ketereh. Apart from the normal or manual classes, the institution also advocates e-learning by providing the learning materials in their website. In addition, the website is also frequently updated with the latest news and resources. Address: KM24, Pangkal Kalong, Ketereh, 16450 Kelantan.

8. Politeknik Kota Kinabalu (PKK), Sabah

PKK commenced its operation in 1996 as the 7th polytechnic opened in the country by taking in about 80 students. Among the faculties in the institution are Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Commerce and Hospitality. Additionally, it is also backed by the supporting units including the Administration, Hal Ehwal Pelajar, Examination Unit, Training & Higher Education, Multimedia, Quality, Counseling, Sports & Extra Curriculum and Industrial Training. Address: Jalan Politeknik, Menggatal, Kota Kinabalu, 88450, Sabah.

9. Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD), Negeri Sembilan

PPD encompasses Mechanical Engineering, Civil, Electrical, Commerce, Science & Mathematics and General Education faculties. The institution is located nearby one of the popular tourist attractions in Port Dickson making it one of the most happening and beautiful polytechnics around. The campus itself has undergone phases of upgrade and development, and until today has produced more than 10,000 graduates working in multitude of industries and sectors. Address: KM14, Jalan Pantai, Si Rusa, 71050, Negeri Sembilan.

10. Politeknik Sultan Hj Ahmad Shah (POLISAS), Pahang

POLISAS is one of the earliest and oldest polytechnics in the country, and was known as Politeknik Kuantan before the name changed to the present. A recent study showed that almost 50% of POLISAS graduate were gainfully employed and 20% pursued their studies at higher levels. Courses offered include Certificate and Diploma, in the field of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer), Information Technology, Secretarial, Accounting, Food Technology and Data Processing. Address: Semambu, 25350 Pahang.

p/s: The list is not according to any specific rank or merit; just recommendation.

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Author's bio: Zul is the founder and principal contributor for the SKOR Career blog. He is the author of two books, The Malaysian Job Seeker's Dilemma and Buat Duit Tanpa Kerja Makan Gaji (How to Make Money Without a Job), available in major book stores nationwide. You can reach him at zulkiflimusa[at]gmail.com.