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SIBU, Aug 25: Kolej Laila Taib here which currently offers diploma courses will be rebranded to attract more students, says Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
According to Dr Annuar, the college’s student population is very low and effort needs to be made in order to increase the students intake.
“I presume because KLT needs to compete with other higher institutions of learning as they also take in SPM leavers with certain criteria,” said Dr Annuar, who is also the chairman of the Board of Directors of KLT.
“KLT offers diploma courses and it has to compete with other institutions such as matriculation and Form 6, which offers a shorter time (to complete) for students to continue their studies in a degree programme.
“(The student would think) rather than studying for a diploma, they will definitely choose a foundation programme before their degrees or Form 6,” he said after officiating at the Sarawak Zone KV Skills Competition at Sibu Vocational College here today.
Hence, Dr Annuar suggested that KLT work hand in hand with College Vocational (KV) in its efforts to not only solve the low student intake issue, but also give more opportunities to students to venture into TVET education.
“I think that it is better for them to emulate (and collaborate with) vocational colleges taking in Form 3 students.
“When they complete their studies, they will obtain both a diploma and a technical certificate and then they can pursue their degrees. Their pathway will start earlier rather than after Form 5.
“As we know KV capacities are also limited. I have discussed all these options with the ministry and we will work out our State-owned TVET college by collaborating with KVs under the ministry so that more students can undergo TVET training in Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
