Kuala Berang—For the very first time, Sentuhan Kasih@JPT 2019 (Touch of Compassion) programmes jointly organized by Higher Education Department, State Education Departments, and Public Universities were held at 9 venues all over the country to gather the B40 students under one roof.

The programme for the East Coast zone was held on 25 July, and it was the second event following the one held in Semporna on 11 July.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) worked hand in hand with State Education Department of Terengganu and Hulu Terengganu College of Form Six (HUTECS) to ensure the success of the programme.

UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic and International in his speech said that HUTECS was chosen as the programme host based on its strategic location as the programme was meant for the B40 students and also because HUTECS was one of the foster schools of UMT.

He also said that the programme was held to provide more information on university entrance policies, requirements, application procedures, and selection process to students from the rural areas especially the B40 group with SPM or STPM certificates.

In addition, the event was also meant to highlight the academic programmes offered by public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, training institutes, and others for the upcoming session and availability of short term courses on part time or full time basis or through distance learning.

He added that this programme could instill awareness of the society of several institutions offering life-long learning using different learning methods than the formal practice.

Candidates with work experience who wished to further their study through the life-long learning programme would also be briefed on the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA).

The programme was also held to inform the B40 students of the online application for entrance into public universities, polytechnics, community colleges called UPUOnline that could be access at http://upu.moe.gov.my.

The Ministry of Education has created a special entrance for the B40 group, disabled group, indigenous people, and athletes without them having to compete based on meritocracy. The aim was to provide more opportunities to these groups of people for obtaining higher education qualifications.

Professor Noor Azuan urged all the students to make use of the opportunity and obtain as much information from the exhibitors who came from all over the country and to always strive to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The programme was attended by over 1000 Form 5 and 6 students of B40 from schools around Hulu Terengganu, Kemaman, and Kuala Nerus.

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)