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This paper presents a comprehensive electronic portfolio (e-Portfolio) framework developed for competency based training (CBT) assessment in a Malaysian Skills Diploma Program which is certified by the Ministry of Human Resources in Malaysia. The proposed framework is adapted from an existing assessment system, which was outlined by the Ministry of Human Resources with the addition of other features from current e-Portfolio technologies. The aim of this study is to present a new comprehensive framework that contains a combination of e-Portfolio applications that align with the current methodology of CBT assessment as a blended approach to formative assessment. Senior officers at the Ministry of Human Resources, Principals and Instructors of Training Institutes have been questioned via the medium of email based interviews to establish their views on the need for this kind of e-Portfolio as well as the possible constraints that would be faced. All interviewees agreed that the e-Portfolio is well suited for implementation as an evaluation method to improve the [information technology] IT skills of the students. However, they also highlighted constraints that should also be considered before implementation to ensure this system will be effectively installed and completely functional.

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In line with the global increase in the use of E-portfolio technologies in learning organizations, their potential use in Malaysia is promising, especially in the growing areas of Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET). In order to understand and evaluate the potential of E-portfolios in these education areas, the initial view of the parties related to the Skills Training Program, a sub-program in TVET should be taken into consideration. Since such an electronic learning system has never previously been deployed in any public or private training institutions in Malaysia, there is a need to ensure that it has the support of the parties concerned. Thus, the key questions for this study were to investigate whether the E-portfolio is: (1) suitable for implementation in the Malaysia Skills Training Education Program, and (2) easy, efficient and effective for students to use. This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods where data collection included E-mail based interviews with several officers in Malaysia and a survey of perceptions of E-portfolio Skills Training Students from the Kuantan District of Pahang, Malaysia.

The results showed that most participants agreed that the E-portfolio is well suited to be implemented as an evaluation method or value-added to improve the IT skills of the students depending on their level of training course. Although some trainees/students warned that this system needs lots of things to be considered such as facilities, technical and emotional support as well as a sensible process, most agreed that this system should be introduced in their training institutions. Similarly, the interviewees also highlighted constraints that should be considered before execution to ensure that this system will be effectively installed and completely functional to benefit trainees and instructors as well as for the training institutions themselves.

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