Smile: Zambry (second from right) posing with students for a wefie after the launch of the Index Nexus Polycc at Ungku Omar Polytechnic in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: With the increasing demand for new job skills, the Higher Education Ministry will expand the work-based learning programme involving institutions of higher learning, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The minister said this approach would enable students to better adapt to the needs and demands of emerging industrial sectors.
He said that such transformation in the higher education system is necessary due to the world’s rapid development, which requires new job skills.
“The ministry has been tasked with re-planning technical education, particularly in the context of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), to ensure that the workforce needed in these new industries is adequately prepared.
“We are using the ‘triple helix’ approach, which fosters collaboration between the government, institutions, and industries. By doing so, industries will also be involved in the teaching process,” he told reporters after launching the Index Nexus Polycc: Synergy between Polycc and Industries at Ungku Omar Polytechnic event yesterday.
Zambry said that under this programme, students would not only stay on campus throughout their course duration to obtain their certificates and diplomas, but can also opt to spend two years on campus and another year in their chosen industry.
“We are even considering allowing students in a four-year degree programme to spend two years on campus and the remaining two years in their selected industry. The most crucial aspect is that collaboration with industries is key to achieving this goal, which marks a significant change in the country’s higher education system,” he added.
When asked if the work-based learning programme had already started, Zambry said it has been implemented in several universities.
These universities are part of the Malaysian Technical University Network, which consists of four institutions.
“We have also implemented this at the polytechnic level, including the premier Ungku Omar Polytechnic, where courses are offered up to the degree level,” he said.
On a separate matter, Zambry said his ministry is awaiting a report regarding the university students detained during a raid on a swingers’ sex syndicate in Kuala Lumpur.
He stressed the need to gather more information before making any comments.
“I need to receive the reports first because I don’t want to make any sweeping statements. Any comments must be based on facts. The authorities will take the necessary action regardless of who is involved in such illegal activities.
“These are serious issues that need to be addressed,” he told reporters.
Zambry was asked to comment on the 36 people detained in the raid, which included university students, civil servants and foreigners. The youngest person arrested was 19-years-old.
