Varsity practical training to be longer
GEORGE TOWN: More public universities are expected to extend the practical training of undergraduates from six months to two years beginning next year.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching said the ministry urged the universities to extend the practical training so that undergraduates could gain more hands-on experience during their four-year degree programme.
She said the longer industry exposure programme, known as 2U2i, was made in view of complaints from industry players that six months were not enough for them to gain hands-on experience, especially for engineering courses.”
She said this after opening the National Conference-3 Knowledge Transfer programme, organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here yesterday.
Present was USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail.
2U2i was introduced by the Higher Education Ministry in April to allow students to study for two years and gain experience in the industry for two years.
Five universities that have implemented the programme are Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Asma said USM would incorporate 2U2i in selected courses, such as engineering and accounting, next year. Deputy Higher Education Minister (centre) at the launch of the National Conference-3 Knowledge Transfer programme in George Town yesterday. With her are Knowledge Transfer Programme chairman Professor Datuk Dr Omar Osman and Universiti Sains Malaysia Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail. Bernama pic