Latest news with #UPU
The Star
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Dr Wee demands clarity on STPM student intake data
PETALING JAYA: MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong calls out the Higher Education Ministry for its vague response to his question regarding the trend in intake for STPM students through UPU and university open channels. He said that the ministry's response on the number of admissions for STPM or equivalent graduates required more detailed data. 'The Ministry responded that the number of admissions for STPM or equivalent graduates for the 2018/2019 academic session was 4,530, while for the 2024/2025 academic session, it was 8,612, indicating an increase of nearly double (90.1%). 'However, the response requires further clarification with more detailed data,' he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (July 30). He said that the ministry's statement on the doubling of the number of offers to STPM graduates must be clearly broken down. He added that the response did not distinguish between qualification categories and critical study programmes. 'Why was the data not detailed according to the qualification types, as asked—namely STPM, Matriculation, and Foundation—as well as according to the programmes offered? 'The government must address public concerns and anxieties that there has been a decline in the intake of STPM students in critical programmes compared to Matriculation and Foundation students,' he said. Dr Wee also pointed out the ministry's claim that public universities' open channels do not affect the projections of the 'mainstream channel' as a 'general reply'. He urged for the actual number of seats allocated via the open channel for each academic session to be disclosed. 'Please also state the number of seats available through the UPU channel, as well as the total number of seats offered in critical programmes,' he said. Dr Wee also said that the government must clarify its statement, saying no compromise in terms of admission standards. 'If there truly is no compromise, provide the evidence. Do all students admitted through the open channel have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) that is equal to or higher than those accepted through UPU?' he added. The Ayer Hitam MP stated that he received complaints from excellent students who were unable to gain admission through UPU, but were eventually accepted through the open channel if they were willing to pay significantly higher fees. He said this lack of transparency in merit-based evaluation must be explained immediately. 'In reality, raising commercial channel fees to boost university revenue without transparency and fairness in student admissions is a pro-elite (pro-rich) policy. 'This is not a real solution. Instead, public universities should focus on commercialising the outcomes of their research and development (R&D), rather than taking the easy way out by increasing fees for students through the open channel,' he added. Earlier, it was reported that Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, in a parliamentary written reply, said that the open channel model shows the growing maturity of the higher education system, noting the rapid developments in the academic world. He also emphasised that the ministry is committed to ensuring that access to tertiary education continues to grow and benefits all Malaysians. Dr Wee had inquired about the lack of government funding, which forces public universities to overcome their shortcomings through open channels, resulting in higher tuition fees.
The Star
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Public varsity placements for STPM holders rose by 90% over seven years, says Zambry
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and equivalent certificate leavers offered placements in public universities increased by 90.1% over the past seven years, the Dewan Rakyat was told. 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.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Post wins Postal Security Group Chairman's Award for 2025
QNA Doha Qatar Post has won the 'Postal Security Group Chairman's Award' for 2025, presented by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in recognition of outstanding contributions to enhancing postal security at both the regional and international levels. This achievement represents a culmination of Qatar Post's ongoing institutional efforts to strengthen the postal supply chain security system by adopting advanced operational practices and implementing effective compliance and control frameworks. These measures have significantly enhanced the readiness of its postal infrastructure in line with UPU standards and international security requirements. The award highlights Qatar Post's prominent position within the global postal sector, particularly in the areas of quality, sustainability, and operational security, and reflects the company's strategic vision of achieving regional leadership and enhancing integration with international postal networks. Qatar Post emphasised that this recognition is a continuation of its efforts to embed a culture of quality and compliance across the organisation. It also underscores the vital role of specialised expertise in supporting postal security strategies, helping to strengthen the confidence of international partners and customers, and reinforcing Qatar's standing in global postal forums.
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Post wins 2025 Postal Security Group Chairman's Award
QNA Doha Qatar Post haswonthe 'Postal Security Group Chairman's Award' for 2025, presented by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in recognition of outstanding contributions to enhancing postal security at both the regional and international levels. This was announced by Qatar Post on Sunday. The achievement represents a culmination of Qatar Post's ongoing institutional efforts to strengthen the postal supply chain security system by adopting advanced operational practices and implementing effective compliance and control frameworks. These measures have significantly enhanced the readiness of its postal infrastructure in line with UPU standards and international security requirements. page 3
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
MIRI: Sarawak's free tertiary education (SFTE) initiative is modelled after Nordic countries like Norway and Finland, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth. "That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here. "We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said. He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries. The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching. He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities. The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities. "If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said. Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry. He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject. He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
