Latest news with #MerlimauPolytechnic
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
PMM Convocation: Top Graduate Fulfils Dream Of Sharing Stage With Parents
JASIN, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- For G. Kishendran, the convocation of Merlimau Polytechnic, Melaka (PMM) was not only a celebration of academic excellence but also the proud moment his wish to be on stage with his parents came true after he scored a perfect 4.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average for six straight semesters. The 23-year-old Diploma in Accountancy graduate was named the recipient of the Director's Award and the Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence Award at the convocation ceremony today, in recognition of his hard work and discipline over three years at PMM. Although he obtained 8As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, his dream was left unfulfilled for five years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a setback that became the driving force for the son of a lorry driver and food caterer to work harder during his studies. 'I'm really happy and thankful. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without my parents' prayers and sacrifices. They worked hard to support the family and give us a proper education. 'I used to feel down and nearly gave up, but the support of my parents, lecturers and friends gave me the strength to keep going, and I dedicate this success to all of them,' he told reporters here today. Earlier, Kishendran received the award from Polytechnic and Community College Education Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail at the 23rd PMM Convocation Ceremony. The third of six siblings from Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur, said he had been keenly interested in accounting since Form Four. Kishendran said he would wake up as early as 4 am every day to work on assignments, ensuring he managed his time wisely to actively participate in various polytechnic programmes while achieving excellent results academically and in co-curricular activities. He also earned an overall Merit KITA score of 88.75 per cent, the comprehensive assessment system of Malaysian polytechnics that evaluates academics, leadership, co-curricular activities, and student personality.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Teachers' workload under review as ministry eyes out-of-school activity restrictions
JASIN: The Education Ministry will hold discussions to limit the number of teachers participating in out-of-school activities. Education Department director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the move aims to reduce the workload of educators who are often involved in external assignments. "Actually, the number of teachers who can be away in a day for such activities will also be part of our discussions," he said. He made the remarks when closing the national-level Mahrajan al-Quran for Schools (MQSS) at Merlimau Polytechnic here today. On Thursday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek outlined seven measures to reduce teachers' burdens, including cancelling low-impact events and appointing members of the public as examination invigilators. She had said that the long-standing issue has been a key focus since the start of her tenure and requires a comprehensive solution. Among the areas receiving attention are the cancellation of events deemed to have low impact and reducing the frequency of Quality Standard of Education in Malaysia (SKPM) school management audits. Azam said one of the ministry's current main focuses is protecting teachers' instructional time through the Strengthening Instructional Time (MMI) initiative, to ensure teachers remain focused on education and pupil development. He said the MMI, which aims to safeguard classroom teaching and learning time, requires teachers to concentrate on pupils' academic and character than being distracted by external activities with no direct educational benefit. "That's why I've stressed to all levels, including divisions, state Education Departments and District Education Offices that all activities involving teacher movement must be properly coordinated. "Any programme or event involving teachers must be managed in a rotational and organised manner, so the same teachers are not repeatedly involved, which could affect the learning process in schools. "For example, if one group of teachers attends today's Mahrajan Al-Quran programme, then for tomorrow's event like the Insaniah Development Programme, another group should take part. "We can't say teachers should never leave school, as some events like this Mahrajan contribute meaningfully to students' spiritual development, but it must be done wisely and without burdening teachers," he said.
New Straits Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Deputy minister 'drops' 2 bags to ensure student can pack well for further studies
KOTA KINABALU: When Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud visited Muhd Iqram Hakimi Mohd's house, a freshman who is about to further his studies at a college in Melaka, he brought along two brand new blue suitcases. "We don't want a repeat of what happened last year, where a university student in Sabah went viral for bringing a gunny sack during enrolment. "That's why we're giving these suitcases to Iqram. I'm proud that he's willing to pursue his studies far from home, taking up geomatics at Merlimau Polytechnic in Melaka," he said, while handing over the offer letter to the 18-year-old at Kampung Warisan near here. In October last year, Rafida Saiddin, a 19-year-old student at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), drew public attention on registration day when she arrived at the varsity with a gunny sack. Her stunt then caught the attention of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Mustapha. Rafida later explained that using a gunny sack was a practical decision for her — not an indication of financial hardship — as UMS allowed students to bring only two pieces of luggage. Mustapha, who is also the Sepanggar member of parliament, also presented donations for B40 students and a monetary contribution from his parliamentary allocation to support Iqram's journey into tertiary education. "This shows how committed the government is. Students don't need to apply, and in some cases, even the parents may not be aware. "But we identify eligible students based on their household income, and if they qualify, we provide the JPA B40 scholarship in collaboration with the Public Service Department. "I don't want any of our children to miss out on their education just because of poverty. As a ministry, and with the help of our agencies, we are committed to supporting these students, so they are not burdened after receiving their offer letters." Besides Iqram, Mustapha also personally extended assistance to several other students in Sepanggar. A total of 1,102 students from the Sepanggar constituency had received offers to further their studies at public universities, polytechnics and community colleges via the UPU Online system. Iqram said he was informed about the assistance two days ago and felt relieved that he would not have to burden his parents to pursue his dream of becoming a land surveyor. "Without this aid, I would have had to rely entirely on my mother, who works at a local company, and my father, who is a contract labourer," said the eldest of two siblings, adding that both his parents earned minimum wage.
