5/28/2012 — The Star
MENTAKAB: Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders who have been working or have business experience can soon further their studies in higher learning institutions under the accreditation of prior experiential learning programme.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said a committee, comprising a few ministries and led by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had been set up to determine the eligibility of those interested.
Saifuddin said some 80% of the employees and entrepreneurs in the country were SPM holders.
“Despite their vast experiences in their own respective businesses, their income levels have been affected,” he said.
Saifuddin said the committee would evaluate and decide who would be eligible to join the programme.
“However, there are certain matters which we have to iron out, including the criteria,” he said.
“In sports sciences, for example, it is easier to determine as we can evaluate their achievements by the medals awarded and course certificates.
“However, it will be a challenge to evaluate a small-time entrepreneur who may have been in charge of his business for the past five to 10 years,” Saifuddin said after presenting certificates to 16 students who passed their SPM examinations last year with flying colours under the East Coast Economic Region’s empowering programme here yesterday.
He said the programme was in line with the country’s lifelong education policy.
“To be a developed nation, the country has to equip its people with wide knowledge and information.”
