HBKIK 2026 success boosts innovation culture at PolyCC

The recent Horizon Baharu Kumpulan Inovatif dan Kreatif (HBKIK) 2026 convention has significantly boosted confidence in the growing innovation culture among staff at polytechnics and community colleges (PolyCC) in Malaysia. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd. Nor Azman Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Management and Development) of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), acknowledged this progress.

According to Dr. Azman Hassan, the immediate challenge following the convention is to ensure that the "sparks of ideas" generated are transformed into practical problem-solving methods. He emphasized the goal of making these ideas impactful and beneficial to organizations, industries, and the wider community.

The HBKIK 2026 convention aimed to expose participants to best practices in improving public service and to recognize creative, innovative, and high-impact solutions. The event saw 37 groups, comprising 203 participants from 21 polytechnics and seven community colleges across 12 states, competing in categories for Social Innovation and Service Delivery.

“

We also want these ideas to have an impact and bring benefits to organizations, industries, and society.

Politeknik Port Dickson emerged as the overall champion of HBKIK 2026 and will be the host for the upcoming edition. Mohd. Ruzi Hamzah, Director of Politeknik Seberang Perai (PSP), highlighted HBKIK as a crucial platform for embedding innovation into the work culture of PolyCC staff. He noted that the innovations showcased demonstrated how creative solutions, born from real-world experiences, can enhance management efficiency, service delivery, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Aligned with the theme 'Driving a New Wave of Innovation,' HBKIK 2026 also featured strategic initiatives such as the TVET Collaboration Hub and a Focus Group Discussion for the development of a Professional Diploma in Logistics Technology. Additionally, Letters of Intent were exchanged with industry partners. These efforts underscore PolyCC's commitment to ensuring TVET education remains relevant and meets industry demands. This year marked the 10th iteration of the convention, which has been organized by the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK) since 2016.

“

HBKIK is an important platform in cultivating innovation as a work practice for PolyCC staff.