KPT-KPM COLLABORATION STRENGTHENS POST-SPM EDUCATION PATHWAYS THROUGH KTE PREMIER PROGRAMME AT USM

NIBONG TEBAL, 10 June – The Form Sixth Education Programme (KTE) at university campuses, introduced for the first time through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), has received encouraging response, with more than 5,000 applications submitted nationwide.

Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, said the Premier Form Sixth Programme being implemented at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) reflects the strong commitment of both ministries in enhancing post-SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) education pathways.

“USM alone received over 1,000 applications, with 49 students accepting the offer and more than 30 already registering today,” she said.

“We are currently working to fill the quota of 60 students across two streams, Science (Physics-Chemistry) and Social Science,” she added during her speech at the student welcoming ceremony held at USM’s Engineering Campus.

Fadhlina also expressed her appreciation to USM, particularly its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, for his full commitment in realising the initiative.

“The selection of USM as the implementation site is justified, given the university’s comprehensive infrastructure, conducive learning environment and holistic student support system,” she added.

Meanwhile, USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed described USM’s appointment to run the programme as a mark of great trust from both ministries and the government.

“I would like to thank the Minister of Education and MOHE, especially YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, for this trust, it marks a meaningful cross-ministerial collaboration with direct impact on the community,” he said.

In his remarks, he also acknowledged the support of MOHE Secretary-General Datuk Dr. Anesee Ibrahim, Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, USM Engineering Campus Director Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar, and the USM community for their dedication to the pilot initiative.

“The support from the Penang State Education Department (JPN) and the South Seberang Perai District Education Office (PPD) is also highly appreciated,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor extended congratulations to the selected students, calling this programme the beginning of a journey filled with potential and opportunities for personal success.

He urged students to fully embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a dynamic identity, in line with the programme’s objective to benefit not only the individual, but also their families, communities, and the nation.

In addition to USM, the Premier Form Sixth Programme is also being implemented at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Also present at the ceremony were Director of MOE’s School Management Division (BPSH), Dato' Amzan Abd Malek; USM Engineering Campus Director, Professor Ir. Dr. Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha; and Deputy Director of Education (Planning & Management Sector), Penang JPN/PPD, Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad.

Text: Siti Faizah Abdul Halim | Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman