The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) successfully facilitated the study visit of Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts and Trades (JZGMSAT) to Malaysia from September 29 to October 3, 2025. The study visit aimed to benchmark the best practices of two APACC Platinum-level institutions: Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD) and Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM) Masjid Tanah.
A total of 11 Filipino participants from JZGMSAT were engaged in the institutional and cultural visits throughout the five-day activity. The delegation was also joined by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region IV-A (CALABARZON) Regional Director Mr. Archie Grande and Laguna Provincial Director Dr. Zoraida Amper.
The Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan welcomes the delegates of JZGMSAT upon their arrival in Malaysia
The participants explore the Turtle Hatchery (left photo) and enjoy dinner at the Royal Port Dickson Yacht Club (right photo)
Upon arrival in Malaysia, the delegation was warmly welcomed by representatives from Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD). This was followed by a scenic tour of Putrajaya, a visit to the Turtle Hatchery in Negeri Sembilan, and a dinner at the Royal Port Dickson Yacht Club.
PPD officials and JZGMSAT delegates commemorate the visit with a group photo
The participants explore PPD’s facilities
On September 30, 2025, the delegation commenced its first institutional visit to PPD where they presented the institution’s journey toward achieving Platinum-level accreditation, and shared their ongoing initiatives to maintain its institutional excellence in TVET. JZGMSAT also conducted visits around the PPD campus facilities, including Anjung Kelana, one of PPD’s partner industries.
KKTM officials and JZGMSAT delegates pose for a group photo
The delegation continued the second institutional visit at KKTM Masjid Tanah on the following day. During the benchmarking visit, JZGMSAT and KKTM had a productive discussion on best practices, policies, and strategies in attaining APACC Platinum award.
The delegation from JZGMSAT immerse themselves in the workshop area and campus facilities of KKTM
After the discussion, the participants toured around KKTM’s key facilities like the workshops for automotive, polymer composite, and ceramics. KKTM also accompanied the participants on a visit to DK Composites, one of KKTM’s partner industries, to observe the industry-institution linkages in enhancing learning and employability.
The participants enjoy a cultural sightseeing tour in Melaka
The study visit concluded with a cultural tour in Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical landmarks and multicultural vibe. The cultural tour provided the participants with experience of Malaysia’s rich history, and its harmonious blend of tradition and modernization.
Overall, the benchmarking visit gave JZGMSAT and TESDA CALABARZON a meaningful opportunity to experience firsthand the best practices and operational excellence of APACC Platinum-level TVET institutions in Malaysia. The visit inspired the delegation to strengthen their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in technical and vocational education. As an APACC-accredited institution since 2009 and currently as a Silver Awardee, JZGMSAT looks forward to applying the insights gained from the benchmarking visit, and prepares them further in their accreditation journey.
