KUCHING, April 29: Batu Kawah assemblyman Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian urged SPM and STPM school leavers to take advantage of the 100 per cent higher learning placement by the Jelajah Pendidikan 2018 programme.
The programme, organised by Yayasan Destini Anak Bangsa (YDAB), in previous years was only held in the Peninsula and only for Bumiputera school leavers.
But this year, as the federal government realised the importance of education in the development of the country, the programme is now open to school leavers of all races and for the first time in Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government has always been trying its best to provide opportunities to all Sarawakians regardless of their race and religion. So after our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg requested that this programme to be brought to Sarawak, it is finally here this year.
“Previously only open to Bumiputera, now students of all races can participate. Higher learning placement under the Education Ministry’s centralised university unit (UPU) now even recognises the Chinese schools’ Unified Examination Certificate (UEC),” Dr Sim told hundreds of students and civil service participants at the programme’s opening ceremony at MJC Batu Kawah here this morning.
He said this programme was especially for those who had missed the chance to apply to higher learning institutions in the country due to strict requirements or lack of slots for placements as the programme’s organising chairman Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar had given assurance that as long as students were not picky, they would be guaranteed placements in local higher learning institutions be it public or private.
Meanwhile, Sahol said 20 local universities would be providing 200 placements each for applicants applying through this programme.
He said this is a ‘special path’ provided by YDAB thanks to the Education Ministry, where students would not be hindered by endless red tape, as long as they qualify academically.
“Previously, about 65,000 students have been placed all over the country under this programme. This year we have extended this programme to Sarawak to ensure that no Sarawakian students are misplaced,” said Sahol.
He pointed out that not all students would be qualified to be placed in universities, but they could be placed at Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions.
“Do not be picky. Even vocational students can work and earn high income. According to statistics, more than 90 per cent of TVET graduates are guaranteed employment upon finishing their studies,” said Sahol.
He said Sarawak in its journey to become a developed state would need much technical and vocational expertise to implement its development projects.
According to a release from the organisers, Jelajah Pendidikan 2018 which began in MJC Batu Kawa this morning will move to Dewan Hikmah in Petra Jaya tomorrow, and Miri Indoor Stadium on May 1. — DayakDaily
