Introduction
The
Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE) is in charge of developing
polytechnics for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TEVT) of
the country to a firm and significant level within the value chain of
the education and training sector.
The transformation of polytechnics is being carried out in accordance
with the National Higher Education Strategic Plan (NHESP) and National
Key Result Areas (NKRA). This empowers the polytechnics in providing an
alternative route for developing sufficient highly skilled and
better-quality human capital in ensuring the success of a new economy
based on innovation and creativity.
The commercialization of research via collaboration between the
polytechnics and the industry will improve and accelerate the pace of
technology transfer as well as help the process of innovation at the
industry level to gain success. This confidence will entice the industry
to invest in polytechnics by providing financial resources to fund
research and innovation activities. This will in turn help enhance the
competitiveness of national productivity.
Premier polytechnics are established to play the lead role in the
transformation agenda. This is done by offering programmes in niche
areas that could form the basis for advancing polytechnics to a higher
level as well as being referral experts for the industry as Centres of
Excellence (COE). Polytechnics are also responsible for providing
talents for national economy and not merely employees in order to
generate a high income economy and sustainable development.
KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University (UCSI) and the Department
of Polytechnic Education (DPE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to foster greater cooperation in the area of technical education
and training. The much awaited MoU signing ceremony took place on Mar
19, 2013.
Under the MoU, both UCSI and DPE have agreed to exchange best practices
in research, curriculum and content development for various programmes
of study and to create more articulation opportunities for polytechnic
students. The cooperation will also result in increased academic
mobility between UCSI and polytechnic for teaching staff, researchers
and students.
The MoU signing ceremony was officiated by MOHE Secretary
General YBhg. Datuk Ab Rahim bin Md Noor, UCSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Academic Affairs and Research) Prof. Emeritus Dr. Lim Koon Ong and two
other representatives from Sunway College Kuching and EC-Council
Academy.
Higher Education Minister YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and
Department of Polytechnic Education Director General Mejar (K) Haji Md.
Nor bin Yusof, to name a few, were among the government dignitaries who
were present to witness the ceremony.
Higher Education Minister YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said: "I
am certain that today's MoU will help (enhance) the polytechnic
students' learning process and (will be useful in) their future career."
Department of Polytechnic Education Director General Mejar (K) Haji Md.
Nor also echoed YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled sentiment, adding that
polytechnic students has received many benefits from the previous MoU –
in terms of articulation opportunities, industrial placements and
professional certifications.
"Through this collaboration, we hope that students will take advantage
of these opportunities to enrich their learning experience during their
studies," he said.
Commenting on the MoU signing ceremony, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Lim said:
"Universities play a crucial role in producing graduates who are
well-versed in the intricacies of the industry."
"I believe that this move is an excellent example of how both public and
private institutions can work together to raise the standards of
technical and vocational education for the benefit of the nation."