MIRI: The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is set to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing a public university campus here.
This was disclosed by its Deputy Minister, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, during the launch of the Miri Parliamentary Education Fair at a hotel on Sunday.
The education fair, a one-day event, saw the participation of 30 public and private higher learning institutions, providing a platform for students to explore various educational opportunities.
At a press conference, Mustapha emphasised the importance of market demand and student population in determining the viability of a new public university campus.
“Let’s see if there is a market. We need to ensure there are enough students to justify setting up an IPTA (public university) here in Miri. We will conduct a thorough study to assess the need,” he stated.
In a related development Mustapha highlighted the ‘Programme Sulung’ or Pembangunan Siswa Sulung Keluarga Malaysia, aimed at assisting underprivileged students from the B40 income group to enroll in public universities.
He said for families in Miri, the programme would offer free courses and aid with the registration process at public universities.
“‘Programme Sulung’ has been implemented, and we are calling on every Education Office nationwide to promote this programme.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that students from the B40 group have the opportunity to enter public universities.”
Also present at the event were Miri MP Chiew Choon Man and the event organising chairman, Alan Ling, who both expressed their support for the initiatives discussed.
