Latest news with #UPTM


The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia and New Zealand boost education ties in green tech and energy
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is enhancing its academic collaboration with New Zealand through new agreements between local universities and leading institutions in the country. The focus areas include green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) have signed agreements with the University of Canterbury and six other top New Zealand universities. These partnerships will involve twinning programmes, credit transfers, and joint research initiatives. 'This includes the implementation of twinning programmes, credit transfers and joint research initiatives that will provide added value to both Malaysian students and lecturers,' Ahmad Zahid said. He added that student sponsorships by agencies such as MARA, the Public Service Department (PSD), and Petronas will be expanded to cover specialised fields not currently available in Malaysia, particularly in sustainable energy. The UniKL–University of Canterbury agreement focuses on chemical and process engineering, halal food technology, and sustainable development. The partnership includes staff and student exchanges, joint research, and articulation pathways like 2+2 and 2.5+3 programme models. Meanwhile, UPTM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) to strengthen academic mobility, curriculum exchange, and innovative teaching methods. UPTM also held discussions with five other New Zealand universities to explore funding opportunities for international education. - Bernama


The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MARA urged to create leadership module inspired by Pak Lah
KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has been urged to create a special leadership module inspired by the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, known as the 'Pak Lah Leadership' module. The proposal aims to reinforce the Malay and bumiputera agenda by embedding values of knowledge, ethics, and integrity in future leaders. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested integrating the module into MARA institutions such as Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM), Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM), Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM), and GIATMARA. This initiative seeks to produce technically skilled bumiputera youth with strong moral character and leadership qualities. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, recommended expanding MARA's education programmes into economic corridor regions. This expansion would distribute development opportunities nationwide, reducing over-reliance on the Klang Valley. He also proposed increasing MARA Mobile Training Centres in rural areas to provide technical and digital training directly to underserved communities. His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang during the 'Pemikiran Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi' symposium. The event was attended by MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, MARA Director-General Datuk Zulfikri Osman, and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Dr Sharifah Syahirah Sy Shiekh. Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the need for a special programme called 'Islam Hadhari Entrepreneurs,' promoting modern entrepreneurship guided by Islamic principles. He encouraged academic research on Tun Abdullah's leadership style through UPTM to preserve his legacy for future generations. The Islam Hadhari approach, introduced by Tun Abdullah, aligns with the Malaysia MADANI concept under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Both frameworks emphasise inclusive, progressive, and resilient nation-building. The symposium, attended by over 500 participants, featured discussions on leadership, policy, and Malaysia's development under Tun Abdullah's tenure as the fifth prime minister. – Bernama

Barnama
26-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UP_TVET Receives Over 189,000 Applications For July Intake
GENERAL PETALING JAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- The TVET Admission Unit (UP_TVET) received 189,304 applications to attend Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses nationwide for the July intake. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the number showed a significant increase compared to the previous intake of 146,000, thus showing the increasing interest in the TVET field among students. In fact, UP_TVET is also coordinating the placement of students who failed to secure a place in public higher education institutions after completing the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). "For STPM students who could not get into any university, we would like to offer the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), where six universities, especially those under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), namely Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), for them to choose courses that interest them," he said. He said this after chairing the Coordination Meeting between the Minister of Rural and Regional Development and the Rural Exco Members (MEXCLUB) on June 26, 2025 here today. According to Ahmad Zahid, the opportunity is open to all races to ensure that no students drop out of higher education, especially in the technical and professional fields which are currently in high demand in the job market. "UniKL will offer technical courses while UPTM focuses on professional courses," he said. At the meeting, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, launched the Desa Kirana programme which focuses on efforts to strengthen the ecosystem and promote rural tourism products, as early preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He said two locations had been selected for the implementation of the programme this year, namely Kampung Lonek in Negeri Sembilan and Kampung Tanjung Surat in Johor, while 18 more locations were being identified.


New Straits Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
TVET applications for July 2025 soar to over 189,000
PETALING JAYA: Applications to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for the July 2025 intake have surged to 189,304, surpassing the initial target of 150,000. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the significant increase reflects growing public confidence in technical education, which is being positioned as a key pillar in Malaysia's national development strategy. Up to June 15, applications submitted through the UP_TVET system comprised 166,064 under UP_TVET Perdana and 23,240 under UP_TVET Flexi. "This increase specifically relates to the upcoming July 2025 intake. Last year, we received only 25,000 applications, but this year, the number has jumped to 189,304," Zahid said. He was speaking at a press conference after chairing the MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting (1/2025) here today (June 26). Zahid, who also chairs the National TVET Council, said the government is offering alternative study opportunities to Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia holders who were unable to secure a place at public universities due to limited spaces. "We are extending this opportunity to all eligible students through the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), which comprises six universities, including Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM)," he said. "UniKL offers programmes in technical disciplines, and UPTM focuses on professional fields." He added that STPM leavers with strong academic results may also apply for foundation programmes at either UniKL or UPTM. Zahid had projected, on May 19, that applications for TVET programmes nationwide could reach 150,000 by the end of the June intake period. The estimate was based on early application trends following the launch of the centralised TVET Intake Unit (UP_TVET) in April. Between April 1 and 30, more than 106,000 applications were submitted under the new system. Developed by the Human Resources Ministry, the UP_TVET platform was introduced in May last year to streamline and coordinate applications to TVET institutions across 12 ministries and private agencies nationwide.


The Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
TVET applications surge to 189,000, more opportunities offered to STPM leavers
PETALING JAYA: The total number of applications for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) July 2025 intake has increased significantly compared to last year, rising from 146,000 to 189,304, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the government is now offering more opportunities to STPM holders who may not have secured a place in public universities due to limited spots. 'For those with STPM qualifications who didn't get accepted into any university, we are offering places through the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), particularly at six institutions. 'Additionally, under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), institutions such as UniKL and University Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) are also open for applications,' he said. Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council, said STPM holders can apply for technical programmes at UniKL and professional-based courses at UPTM, depending on their interests and academic background. 'These programmes are open to all races,' he added. He also said that students with strong SPM results are eligible to enrol in foundational-level technical courses at UniKL and UPTM, providing more flexible entry points into the TVET ecosystem.