A new chapter: Mohamed Khaled launching MyBrain 2.0, which is set to be re-implemented next year. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
THE reintroduction of the MyBrain15 sponsorship programme, now named MyBrain 2.0, is timely, say experts.
This is especially considering the escalating cost of living for the M40 and B40 sectors of the economy, as well as those who are keen to pursue their postgraduate studies, said Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) president Datuk Parmjit Singh.
“On average, the cost of pursuing a postgraduate research programme can vary from RM16,000 to as high as RM60,000 based on factors such as duration and programme category,” Parmjit, who is also Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) chief executive officer, told StarEdu.
Spearheaded by the government, MyBrain 2.0, which was launched by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on Oct 26, is set to be re-implemented next year and is targeted at individuals who are unemployed and do not have fixed income, including lecturers from private higher education institutions (IPTS) who are keen on pursuing their masters and PhDs.
National Association of Private Educational Institutions (Napei) secretary-general Dr Teh Choon Jin said the revival of the MyBrain15 programme is a commendable endeavour and a welcome relief for students who possess a strong desire to further their studies.
“These individuals are often deterred by the financial burdens associated with such pursuits,” said Teh, who is also APU senior director and registrar.
Aside from making postgraduate studies more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it, Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee said, the programme will help students to upskill or reskill, enabling them to stay competitive in the job market.
“There is no doubt that the attainment of knowledge, skills and education is crucial to building human capital. This will lead to long-term economic development for our country and hopefully in the long term, enable the unemployed to be self-reliant,” she said.
Vice Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities (VCCPU) chairman Prof Mushtak Al-Atabi said the initiative will provide crucial support to those seeking advanced education, aligning with Malaysia’s overarching goals of education quality enhancement and workforce development.
Presently, he said the reintroduction of the programme in Malaysia comes at a crucial time as the nation strives to achieve high-income status.
“It plays a pivotal role in promoting equal access to education, particularly for talented individuals from underserved communities. Moreover, these scholarships facilitate skills development and expertise acquisition in fields that are integral to advancing Malaysia’s key economic sectors. “This, in turn, helps address the evolving demands of the job market, ensuring that students are well-prepared to contribute to the nation’s growth and development,” he said.
Prof Mushtak, who is also Heriot-Watt University Malaysia provost and chief executive officer, added that there should be increased public awareness of the MyBrain grant, as it is crucial to ensure that eligible individuals are informed and can take advantage of this opportunity.
When launching the programme at the ministry’s office, Mohamed Khaled said the programme aims to increase the number of advanced degree holders to meet the needs of intellectual human capital and local expertise to support national development.
He said the MyBrain15 programme was one of the ministry’s high-impact products that was introduced in 2011 but was discontinued in 2016.
“Therefore, after taking into account its potential, and the government’s efforts in bringing together intellectuals and experts to support the goal of national development well-being, the government has agreed to introduce and re-implement this scholarship programme in 2024,” he added.
However, Mohamed Khaled said, the conditions of the contract and its implementation will be tightened, while the system will also be more digital and user-friendly.
He also said the ministry is targeting 500 applicants per year from members of the public and a total of RM20mil has been allocated by the ministry for each intake, which will begin in January.
In 2010, the MyBrain15 programme, a critical agenda under the National Higher Education Strategic Plan to produce 100,000 researchers and PhD holders in 15 years, was launched by Mohamed Khaled.
The programme was suspended in 2018. A total of 56,910 students were pursuing postgraduate studies during that time.
In 2020, the ministry conducted a MyBrain impact study which indicated that the programme had a positive impact on graduates’ marketability as well as career advancement.
