UiTM to provide 3,000 placements for SPM, STPM school leavers from poor families

SHAH ALAM: Some 3,000 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia ( SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) school leavers who failed to pursue further studies despite obtaining excellent results will be offered placements at Universiti Teknologi Mara ( UiTM).

Its vice- chancellor, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Hassan Said said the opportunity would be given to students from poor families and rural areas who could not continue their studies due to various factors, among them financial constraints.

“UiTM will slot in this group of students and ensure that they are provided with a conducive learning environment,” he told reporters after attending the ‘A Step to UiTM’ Expo here yesterday.

He said the university aimed to double last year’s student intake for the 2017 academic session.

“The university is confident that the figure can be achieved as the new campuses in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan and Raub, Pahang are ready for occupation,” he said.

He said with the addition of the Puncak Alam campus, the target could be achieved.

“The move is part of our efforts to ensure we achieve our target student intake of 200,000 in 2020,” he said.

Commenting on the ‘A Step to UiTM’ Expo Hassan said response received from SPM and STPM school leavers to pursue their studies in UiTM was overwhelming.

“As at 1 pm, the expo which is being organised simultaneously at all UiTM campuses nationwide has recorded a total of 70,000 visitors,” he said. — Bernama