Prospek exposes highschool students to varsity life

PROSPEK, or Program Seminar Pendidikan Keusahawanan Kebangsaan, initiated by Universiti Malaya’s (UM) Fourth Residential College, continues their educational tour to Tampin in Negri Sembilan after two successful sessions at UM and Batu Pahat, Johor.

This time, the programme was hosted by SMK Tunku Besar, with participants from SMK Taman Indah, SMK Tunku Syed Idrus and SMK Pedas. It was launched by SMK Tunku Besar principal Siti Noridah Ujang.

“Nowadays, the competition to get into a university is intense, thus an early exposure to university life and an insight into what they want to pursue is something that the students need,” Siti Noridah said.

“Prospek hopes to inspire students to work hard and continue to strive for the best.”

A total of 200 students took part in the programme that carried the theme, “Insan Holistik, Pemacu Wawasan Negara”.

The programme, which has been held for the past 11 years, aims to give secondary school students an early exposure and guidance on higher education opportunities and scholarships offered by universities. Students are exposed to new knowledge through activities, such as Inspire to Aspire, Interview Skills and Scholarships, Human Capital Development, Confidence in Speaking, Intellectual Games and “Mahasiswa kepada Pelajar”. There is also an entrepreneurship slot to equip students with entrepreneurial skills.

Prospek is in line with the Malaysian Youth Policy and 11th Malaysia Plan, which aims to develop youth to be more competitive at the global level. For example, the Interview Skills and Scholarships slot encourages youth to continue their studies at the tertiary level and build their personalities.

Through this programme, students gained insight into courses offered at universities, information on scholarships and coping with the campus lifestyle. They had the opportunity to enhance their moral values and soft skills during teambuilding exercises in which all students were required to participate.

Programme director Muhammad Zharfan Nafiq Mohd Ghafarudin said 40 facilitators were chosen to mould, discipline, help and educate the young, as well as inspire them to become entrepreneurs.

“It was an enlightening experience touring the country to impart knowledge and help students through this programme.

“As a university student, I believe that continuing Prospek every year is our duty so that students feel more prepared to make important choices regarding their future.

“I hope that the knowledge they gained through this programme will be something that they remember and practise.”

Prospek hopes to become a platform to produce holistic individuals for the betterment of the nation’s future.