A NEW RM30mil initiative by the Higher Education Ministry will allow students to develop hands-on and critical thinking skills in dealing with local community problems.Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said Semarak Siswa Madani is an effort to promote innovations involving technology, humane economy, courtesy, and sustainability.
The initiative will bring together and deliver new ideas from higher education institutions to the community to achieve the Madani aspirations of sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and care and compassion.
“The ministry is looking to boost participation and community service development among students with the implementation of voluntary programmes and social activities.
“It is time students develop their maturity and leadership.
“We are here to facilitate and help develop the personality of our graduates so that they can achieve their goals,” he told a press conference when launching Semarak Siswa Madani in Putrajaya on June 20.
The initiative, which involves 20 public universities, 36 polytechnics and 105 community colleges, focuses on four programmes:
> KPT Prihatin Madani
Implementation of mobile clinic and community health outreach programmes, particularly for those in rural areas and B40 communities that do not have access to health facilities.
As of May this year, some 90,132 have benefited from this programme.
> Student for Society (S4S)
Comprising social services, humanitarian management, quality education, health and well-being, environmental sustainability, as well as advocacy and leadership community development projects.
> Inovasi Sosial - Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP)
A joint venture between public institutions of higher learning (IPTAs) and local industries to strengthen the knowledge of communities and industries in Malaysia to improve their standard of living and income.
> TVET @ Komuniti Madani
Contribution of technical and vocational education and training (TVET)-based services to community groups, such as the Lifelong Learning Programme, maintenance of community buildings and residences of people in need, as well as minor maintenance of local community motorcycles.
On a separate matter, Mohamed Khaled said the government cannot force companies to treat interns the same as employees.
Responding to a question on whether his ministry would review the policies of industrial training, he said interns are not the same as full-time workers, therefore they are unable to earn equal wages.
He said a study would be conducted to determine the marketability of varsity students who undergo internship programmes.
“This is to address concerns over the lack of proper oral and written communication skills among higher institution students.
“There are many reasons as to why a student’s marketability can be affected. The first of these may be the lack of job opportunities.”
On the concerns over SPM leavers not pursuing their tertiary studies, Mohamed Khaled said the foundation should be started from the schooling stage.
“What we can do is to create awareness among parents and communities in order to cultivate the importance of furthering studies among students,” he said.
During the event, Mohd Khaled also presented a total of RM64,000 to 31 students who contributed medals during the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia last month.
