Fernandes to teach in new varsity programme

KUALA LUMPUR: A new programme to be introduced at public higher education institutions will see students gathering knowledge first hand, from the likes of AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the new CEO Faculty Programme would consist of guest lecturers, panel discussions and co-teaching by such reknowned figures.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said other CEOs who have agreed to take part include Khazanah Nasional group managing director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar and Media Prima Berhad chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaafar.

Fernandes said he was happy to be involved in the programme.

“You can learn everything from books but the best way to learn is to learn from people. I love meeting young people,” he said after the launch of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015 to 2025 (Higher Education) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Fernandes said he looked forward to getting instructions from the ministry on when he could start teaching in universities.

“I’m not sure where I will be posted but the advantage of being with AirAsia is that I can fly everywhere,” he said.

Johan said the CEO Faculty Programme would bring Malaysia to greater heights by combining the knowledge and experience of both the industry and academics.

“I believe the Education Ministry needs the expertise and experience of these selected industry players to give lectures and pass on knowledge to future graduates,” he said.