INTRODUCTION
In the 9th Malaysia Plan, an establishment called CISC specifically to be an industrial service centre for polytechnics with a new polytechnic building structure was approved. CISC's job at that time was more focused on services to the industry, especially in terms of networking and collaboration. In 2010, CISEC was established at the Polytechnic as an improvement to CISC with the original function of four main thrusts, namely: Graduate and Alumni Tracking Studies, Career Advisory Services and Further Education, Planning and Preparation for Work, and Industrial Relations and Placement.
The Marketability Program was first introduced in 2008 with the payment of allowances to students undergoing industrial training (LI). The year 2009 showed the development of this program where the Finishing School Program was introduced at that time. In mid-2010, the Marketability Program was introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education for Malaysian Polytechnic graduates. CISEC has been tasked with implementing graduate marketability programs at their respective polytechnics.
According to Will Archer and Jess Davison (2008), "an officer should be dedicated (Single Contact Point) to managing work, services, and quick feedback after the request is submitted, an officer who has knowledge of the needs of the industry and the importance of satisfaction with the services provided." The role of CISEC has been expanded in line with the Government Transformation Plan, the National Higher Education Strategic Plan, and the Polytechnic Transformation Plan.
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the Polytechnic Transformation Plan, which aims for Malaysian Polytechnics to be recognized as a regional leader in technical and vocational education and training, show that with 85% of polytechnic graduates working (including furthering their studies) within six months of graduation and 50% of certificate graduates having qualified Malaysian education, choosing polytechnics as the first choice clearly shows the importance of polytechnics.
FUNCTIONS AND ROLES
1.Facilitate networking and collaboration between Polytechnics and Industry.
2.Provide services and feedback on the needs of the industry, especially those involving collaboration and graduate work placement.
3.Increase the marketability and job availability of Polytechnic graduates.
4.Increase the working rate of polytechnic graduates.
5.Provide career advisory services, planning and preparation of graduates for the world of work.