Public varsity placements for STPM holders rose by 90% over seven years, says Zambry
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said a total of 4,530 STPM and equivalent leavers were offered placements for the 2018/2019 academic session while as many as 8,612 were offered for the 2024/2025 academic session.
He also said there are open or commercial pathways that operate on an 'over and above' principle and do not interfere with projections for the main intake.
'Open channels will also have to undergo an evaluation process and adhere to qualifications, alongside compliance with academic conditions, language skills and programme criteria.
'There is no compromise on standards set by accredited bodies,' he said in a written reply on Wednesday (July 30).
Zambry added that the open channel model shows the growing maturity of the higher education system, noting the rapid developments in the academic world.
'This requires universities to be quick on their feet and have their own financial resources,' he said.
He stressed that the ministry is committed to ensuring access to tertiary education continues to grow and benefit all Malaysians.
He was replying to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who asked why fewer STPM top scorers were admitted through the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) system compared to matriculation and foundation students since 2018.
Dr Wee also asked about a lack of government funding, forcing public universities to overcome the shortcomings through open channels, resulting in higher tuition fees.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
8 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (July 31, 2025)
Malaysia * One million affordable homes to be built from 2026 to 2035, says PM Anwar * Pro-health tax to cover tobacco, vape, alcohol too, says PM Anwar * New framework soon to address healthcare staffing issues, says PM Anwar * Anwar to table 13th Malaysia Plan in Dewan Rakyat today * Turning small bricks into global icons for parks * All set to explore brick version of island republic * Klang hop-on hop-off bus service to start next month * High-value goods tax is axed * Going grassroots to save our tiger * Revamped MM2H programme generates RM839.9mil in revenue, says Tiong * No registration required for M'sians to access RM100 cash aid * Sabah cops not ruling out bullying claims in Zara Qairina's death * Locked in a room for years: Doctor suffers depression, suicidal after workplace bullying in Tawau Hospital * Sabah on right track to be leading regional MICE destination, says Liew * 20 children including infant rescued from warehouse in Bukit Mertajam * 'Cancer tax' proposed for tobacco, vape, and alcohol under 13MP * Minimum wage to be expanded to cover grads, semi-skilled workers, says PM Anwar * First and last-mile connectivity to improve under 13th Malaysia Plan * Reforming semiconductor industry, revitalising global services among 13MP focus areas * Virtual briefing to be held with Madani community and Nadi reps on 13MP tonight, says Fahmi * 13th Malaysia Plan reflects commitment to uplift people and economy * Doctors in love face the sack after being caught for khalwat * SLS calls for truth, accountability and reform following Zara Qairina's death * RM51bil defence, security allocation in 13MP show of recognition, says Saifuddin * Economic highlights of the 13th Malaysia Plan 2026-2030 * 95% of 13MP was developed during my tenure as economy minister, says Rafizi * 13MP uplifts Indian community in line with Madani economic agenda, says Ramanan * Zambry's visit to japan boosts strategic cooperation, says Higher Education Ministry * Brothers arrested after gunshots fired from Perak house * Ex-O&G MD charged with abusing position by appointing husband as technical advisor * Istana Seri Kinabalu denies claims Sabah governor's family involved in death of student * Cop stabbed during Pasar Pudu crime prevention rounds, suspect nabbed * Ex-Pahang MB Adnan Yaakob fails in appeal to overturn RM84,000 penalty imposed by SC * Herbal trader fined for insulting Orang Asli community and Deputy Speaker on Facebook * 13MP outlines five strategies to build nation state, says Economy Ministry * 13MP: Govt to formulate social economy policy * Labour market reforms under 13MP for competitive, sustainable ecosystem * Couple nabbed after adopted baby girl dies of suspected abuse * Two more cops detained for allegedly taking bribes to allow illegal gambling Singapore * Republic ready to recognise Palestine in principle * S$10mil Toto results to be announced on July 31, after no winners in last three Singapore draws * At least five cases of scams involving sale of Singapore National Day parade tickets since July 1 * Beware of TikTok account falsely claiming to be The Star journalist * Jail for Singapore Civil Defence officer who had sexual relationship with 15-year-old girl * Former chief of Malaysian defence force conferred Singapore's highest military award * No entry: ICA to bar high-risk, undesirable travellers from boarding Singapore-bound ships, flights * Five foreign women suspected of trafficking 27kg of cocaine nabbed in Singapore's Changi Airport Indonesia * Trump trade deal may present geopolitical challenges for Indonesia * Mt Rinjani management installs stairs on dangerous trail after accidents Thailand * Claims of ceasefire breach * Thailand and Cambodia trade allegations of truce breaking * Thailand rejects Cambodian PM's demand for immediate return of captured soldiers * Police raid luxury mansion in Chiang Mai, arrest 18 Chinese call centre gang members * Thai Defence Ministry halts military aid to Cambodia, sends military students home after border clashes * US, Thailand reach trade deals ahead of tariff deadline * Thai media groups suspend ties with Cambodian journalists over ethics row * Thai-Cambodia conflict update: Nine hospitals closed, high stress among civilians * Thai DPM Pichai confident of positive outcome from US tariff negotiations, awaits response tonight (July 31) Philippines * Pacific states breathe easier after huge quake triggers tsunami scare * Marcos appoints Nafarrete as Philippine Army chief * Philippine cockfighting case: No DNA extracted from bone fragments recovered from Lake Taal * Ischaemic heart diseases remain leading cause of death in Philippines in 2024 * Impeachment almost impossible if Philippine Supreme Court doesn't revise its verdict, says rep Terry Ridon Vietnam * Malaysia seeks closer MICE cooperation with Vietnam, says Tiong * Vietnam launches new job app to support its migrant workers * Deputy PM calls for concerted efforts in fight against human trafficking Myanmar * Myanmar junta signals shift ahead of decision on emergency rule * Myanmar junta ends state of emergency in election run-up * Myanmar forms commission led by junta chief to hold elections, state media says Cambodia * Hun Manet: Non-disclosure of information regarding captured Cambodian soldiers 'for their own safety' * Cambodia's Hun Sen at the helm in border conflict with Thailand * Cambodia's forest guardians honoured on World Ranger Day Laos * Laos works to boost tourism as fuel for economic growth * Laos braced for blow of Trump tariff threat * Lao President Thongloun visits Russia to deepen ties Brunei * Universiti Malaysia Sabah encourages Brunei tourism players to listen, observe and learn from Nature * Japanese exchange students plan to learn Brunei culture, make new friends Aseanplus * Trump to announce US-Malaysia tariff rates tomorrow, will attend Asean Summit in Oct, says PM Anwar * Malaysia-US tariff talks concluded, awaiting Trump's official response, says Zafrul * Vietnam, Malaysia Prime Ministers discuss regional and bilateral issues in phone call * Armed Forces join diplomatic military visit to Cambodia-Thailand border * Trump says US will set 15% tariff on South Korean imports under new deal * Trade tariff risks likely to affect Westports * China's high-speed rail brings global partners, cities closer together * 'Hollywood Con Queen' fails to quash US extradition * Giant quake unleashes tsunami * Powerful Earth-monitoring satellite set to be launched * Taiwan band rocks Penang * No impact on Ambalat talks * Pakistani rescuers' quest for injured German climber continues * Twin threats rattle Shanghai * Experts flag issues after jumbos airlifted to Japan * Humanoid robots embodiment of China's AI ambitions * IMF upgrades Malaysia's 2025 growth forecast amid global trade uncertainties, tariff impacts * Samsung Q2 profit drops 55% on weak AI chip sales, China curbs * Grab beats revenue estimates on strong consumer spending * Actress Eleanor Lee wins lawsuit against former assistant who doctored her audio recording * Investors on Bursa Malaysia take pause as 13MP set to be tabled * Ringgit opens higher ahead of 13MP announcement * Video of unidentified creature in Seoul's Han River goes viral * India aviation watchdog finds 263 lapses at Indian airlines in annual audit * Shanghai police bust gang selling counterfeit Labubu toys * Australia wipes $10 billion off student loans, targeting cost of living relief * Malaysia calls for urgent UN reform, says Johari Abdul * Malaysia's first Chinese Leftenan Jeneral to retire next year * Stock futures rise on tech earnings, dollar steady * Chaebol trio of Samsung, Hyundai, Hanwha aligns with Seoul in united push on US tariffs * US-Malaysia tariff deal expected after Trump-Anwar phone call, says report * Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan appointed chairman of Standard Chartered Malaysia * Typhoon Krosa expected to near Hachijojima Island, Japan, on Aug 1 * FBI upgrades New Zealand office with permanent special agent * Sri Lanka arrests over 120,000 for drug-related offences so far in 2025 * Malaysia's official reserve assets at US$120.61bil as of end-June 2025 * Bursa Malaysia ends morning session lower * Masked China singer with 22 million online fans puts pioneering first concert on hold * Buddhist gems return to India after 127 years * UN sounds alarm on SE Asia scam centre surge * Malaysia's GDP projected to grow 4.5-5.5% from 2026 to 2030, driven by domestic demand * Stable, healthy Sino-US ties benefit all * Praise Trump and speak simply: How the South Korean team negotiated its trade deal * China Galaxy, CICC plan over US$1bil investment funds in Southeast Asia * Seoul breaks century-long record with 22 'tropical nights' in July * Japan's oldest person dies at age 114 * Suspected arsonist appears in court over Melbourne synagogue fire that shocked Australia * Nearly 10,000 Afghan prisoners set free from Pakistan, Iran in 12 months * India PM Modi faces opposition fury after Trump's 25% tariff threat * Oil dips as market weighs Trump tariff threats, surprise US stockbuild * Cricket-India 72-2 at lunch v England on first day of key final test * China backs Brazil as looming Trump tariffs escalate trade tensions * With young bright guns helming series, the much-anticipated C-drama 'The Wanted Detective' makes its way to iQIYI on Friday (Aug 1) * Prayers answered as Arif-Roy King get golden ticket to Paris * Rights groups urge Nepal to reverse Telegram ban * Hong Kong dancer Mo Li sues 12 parties for damages over Mirror concert accident * Wild tusker goes on rampage, kills three people in latest human-elephant conflict in Odisha, India * Multicultural families in South Korea show signs of deeper integration, but disparities remain * Johor moots second RTS Link in meeting with Singapore PM * India's garment and jewellery sectors fear for US orders after tariff shock * Local football season is back and official broadcaster Astro injects fresh energy into Liga Malaysia - from the field to the fans * Masked China singer with 22 million online fans puts first concert on hold * 'It has been blessful and an amazing journey, ' says the ever-elegant Misha Omar as she celebrates her new single and concert * China releases US$77 million relief fund as casualties mount in Beijing floods * Britain's Catherine picks fairy costume, Beatrix Potter for museum exhibit
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Penang backs 13MP, vows to accelerate high-value economy transition
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government fully supports the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Dewan Rakyat earlier today. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the core elements of the 13MP aligned with the goal of accelerating the achievement of Vision Penang 2030, which has been in place since 2018. As such, he said, Penang would continue to mobilise resources and engage its citizens to accelerate the transition to a high-value economy, enhancing the country's influence and global image, while ensuring a more prosperous life for the people and a sustainable environment, as envisioned. "As the 'Eastern Silicon Valley', Penang is grateful for the focus on listed projects that will provide high investment returns to the state of Penang and Malaysia in general. "This demonstrates that Penang continues to play a significant role in national investments and is poised to realise the country's vision of becoming a leader in the high-value semiconductor industry," he said in a statement today. Elaborating, Chow said infrastructure development projects such as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the PLUS Highway (Juru - Sungai Dua elevated highway) project would not only improve infrastructure but also expand existing connectivity. Similarly, he said, the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) would enhance user experience. "The Penang government hopes that this will be completed on schedule to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate planned growth in the surrounding areas of the state," he added. Furthermore, Chow said, Penang welcomed the announcement of the long-awaited upgrade of the Klinik Desa Padang Menora in Seberang Prai Utara, which is eagerly anticipated by the local community. He said this upgrade would improve healthcare services in the area. Meanwhile, Chow said the implementation of a five-season paddy planting programme over the next two years in integrated agricultural development areas would provide an advantage for the state to maintain its position as the highest average rice producer in the country, thereby ensuring continued food security. "Overall, the Penang government hopes that this announcement will be followed by further details, including directions and strategies that need to be reviewed. "Follow-up actions will be presented to the relevant ministries to ensure that the commitments announced are realised in accordance with the people's mandate in the state and the country," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling of the 13MP, said the next five years would be critical for Malaysia's journey towards becoming a high-income nation, The 13MP, themed "Redesigning Development to Elevate the Dignity of the People", goes beyond economic aspirations.
Malaysiakini
9 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Small trader fined for 'sakai', 'Tarzan' comment against deputy speaker
A small trader from Seremban was fined RM1,300 for a Facebook comment insulting deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Ramli Nor and the Orang Asli community. Tapah district police chief Johari Yahya confirmed the fine against M Toraise @ Turesh Kumar, 53, under Section 504 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
