MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY – The Malaysian Education Development Plan (Higher Education) (PPPMPT) which will replace the National Higher Education Strategic Plan (PSPTN) is the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) effort to upgrade the country’s education system to a higher level.

Minister of Education II, Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh said the 10-year strategic plan was not only to address the challenges faced by university students but also as a preparation for challenges in gaining employment for the future graduates.

“65% of present job may no longer be available for the students, especially for students of primary and secondary schools in the next few years. The current trend also sees graduates changing their job more than 10 times due to rapid changes in the job market.

“Therefore, universities must change to remain relevant and to produce holistic graduates who possess good communication skill and of good character,” he said.

He was speaking at a news conference after the town hall meeting of the plan at the Banquet Hall, Chancellor Hall UMS.

Commenting on the town hall meeting, he was very satisfied with the positive feedback and all suggestions for improvement voiced by those who attended the meeting.

He said, representatives of industry also urged the improvements be made in the aspects of close collaboration with industry players, the creation and distribution of research grants and the use of natural resources readily available in the state.

The Malaysian Education Development Plan for Higher Education Blueprint is expected to be launched in March. – MA (fl)


Photo: Ernest Berinus


Media and Citra Division
 

MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY – The Ministry of Education (MoE) is currently in the process of preparing the Malaysian Education Development Plan (Higher Education) (PPPM-PT) 2015-2025 to complement the existing PPPM.

According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, the continuous improvement was needed to ensure the country’s education quality was comparable to the education quality of developed countries.

“UMS should play a role as an agent of transformation in the forefront to ensure excellence in education. In this regard, I would like to state that UMS is always committed, every ready in upholding the trust in improving the quality of the nation’s higher education,” he emphasised.

He said this in his opening remarks at the Town Hall Meeting at Dewan Bankuasi (Banquet Hall), Dewan Canselor (Chancellor Hall) Building recently.

He added, as a first step, sessions will be held with all UMS staff to explain PPPM-PT immediately after it’s launching, aimed at increasing their understanding on the matter and increase their ‘buy-in’.

“UMS Strategic Plan will also be revised to take into account the shifts, initiatives and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) emphasised in PPPM-PT,” he stated.

PPPM-PT 2015-2025 was presented by the Secretary-General II, Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang outlining 10 shifts comprising Holistic, Entrepreneurial and Balanced Graduate, Talent Excellence, Nation of Lifelong Learners, Quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Graduates, Financial Sustainability, Empowered Governance, Innovation Ecosystem, Global Prominence, Globalised Online Learning and Transformed Higher Education Delivery.

The Town Hall Meeting was also attended by the Minister of Education II, Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh. Also present was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of UMS Tun Dato’ Seri Zaki Tun Azmi. – ZMD (fl)

Photo: Ernest Berinus

Media and Citra Division
 

MONDAY, 9 FEBRUARY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has always been committed to the conservation of environmental sustainability and the development of rural communities, particularly in Sabah.

Thus, UMS’ proposal to build a Marine Research Station under the Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB) which will be based in Sebatik Island, Tawau is a good step towards that effort.

According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, the marine biological diversity of species found in the Cowie Bay and Sebatik Island included whales, dolphins and dugong which were valuable marine source and important to preserve.

“With the research station established, it would be easier for researchers to conduct research in the fields of marine mammals, pollution control, eco-tourism and studies on oceanography,” he said.

He said this at UMS Community Networking Programme along with the Natural Resources Secretary Office and the community of Sebatik Island.

Datuk Dr. Harun added, the research station will provide professional services and trainings in marine research and conservation, and to create a network of marine research collaboration between local and foreign agencies.

Also present at the ceremony were Acting Registrar of UMS, No’man Hj. Ahmad and Senior Deputy Registrar, Tuan Hj. Firdaus Abdullah. – NB (fl)


Photo: Ramdan Saleh Nain, BPK


Media and Citra Division

FRIDAY, 06 FEBRUARY – Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) will be holding its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme at Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Sri Merinding on 17 February.

Organising Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Nasirin Syed Zainol Abidin said the programme which was scheduled to begin at 8.00 am was organised in conjunction with the celebration of Maulidur Rasul UMS level which will be held at the end of this month.

Dr. Syed Nasirin who is also the Dean of the Faculty of International Finance Labuan (FKAL) said in conjunction with that, UMSKAL will contribute kitchen cabinets, laundry rack, shoe rack and dining table.

“The UMSKAL CSR Programme will benefit 30 students of Maahad Tahfid Al-Quran Sri Merinding,” he said while chairing the organising committee meeting of the programme.

He added that UMSKAL will also hold a gotong-royong to clean up the surrounding areas and also plant fruit trees such as mango, rambutan and coconuts.

UMSKAL Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murnizam Haji Halik and Senior Deputy Registrar, Zamri Mohamad Tuah were expected to attend the programme. – ZMD (fl)


Source: Azri Onn


Media and Citra Division