Before we take a cynical crack at the latest proposal by the MOE to obtain overseas recognition for our matriculation programs, let's try to see the positive side of things.
Firstly, this might increase the standard of our matriculation program, especially if it seeks recognition from top universities in the UK, US, Australia, Canada and NZ. I'm not sure what the procedure for getting recognition is like but I'm guessing that it's probably easier in the UK than the US since there's a more standard application procedure in the former (UCAS, a central clearing system, in the UK versus individual university applications in the US). It seems like that's the initial route given that "Deputy Education Minister Datuk Noh Omar said only some renowned universities in Britain accepted this qualification". What he did not specify (or at least wasn't reported) was which renowned universities, specifically, accepted our matriculation program as a pre-university qualification. Is it Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial or the LSE?
The fact that Noh Omar, Deputy Minister for Education, said the ministry's "aim was to have the matriculation qualification at par with that of A-level" is a timely acknowledgement that the current standards are not internationally competitive and more needs to be done to improve the curent standards.
We hope that the process is stringent enough such that improvements can be made to the matriculation program (to make it as thorough as STPM, for example) to make it internationally recognized. What we hope won't happen is for the Malaysian government to "buy" this recognition from certain universities (including the Irish International University) by promising them funds or funded students. Let's keep watch on which universities offer to recognize the matriculation program and we can make an educated guess to see if this recognition has been "bought".
Secondly, it might be a way for reasonably qualified matriculation students to gain access to a good foreign university, as an alternative to going to a local university. Most people might be sceptical of the thought that there is the possibility that some matriculation students can "make it" to a decent foreign university - "If there were that good, wouldn't they have been offered scholarships to go abroad already?". There are many reasons why there might be a handful of good matriculation students - late bloomers, accidentally missed the boat on earlier scholarship offers, etc... If they are good enough, I don't see why they cannot be offered the chance to study in a reputable foreign university.
The only worry I have regarding the efforts that are currently being expended on the matriculation program is that it will take away resources from the STPM program. It seems increasingly ludicrous to have two separate education programs for essentially the same thing - admissions into the local university system. So while this emphasis on the matriculation program is welcomed, we also need to ask - "what's happening to the STPM program?"
10 comments:
Getting oversea recognition is easy..in fact, oversea universities are more than happy to recognise matric qualification...coz that would mean they will be able to recruit more full fee paying oversea students ..hmmm..yummy $$$$...
So, if matric indeed do get recognition from oversea universities successfully..remember, is not because of quality, tertiary education is all about money now!!
Yes good point about the two 'pre-university' qualifications... What *is* the point of having the two tracks for getting into university anyway? When did it start?
Most of the private universities/colleges take students in at SPM level or offer their own pre-U programmes. It seems like no one wants to do the STPMs??
Why dont we just join in the game...
Scrap STPM and let everyone sits for Matriculation...
Then its fair to al...and I will know for sure which racial group will score in Matriculation then. Its obvious...hehe
If you cant fight them, lets join them...
Who cares about the future of our country while the jeaders are busy trying to push it doen further into quagmire
Yeah, yeah, here's a toast to producing even more graduates of sub-standard quality. Looks like life is getting so much easier for them, unlike other sidelined races who gotta struggle like dogs just to get a place in local universities.
Dear Kian Meng,
I forwarded u a question that I asked Tony few days back. but no answer. (its ok- may be he is busy)
'From your point of view, what is the importance of culture, value and local environments such as (economy,political stability and social stability) in determining way forward of a public uni in Malaysia?'
Thanks.
If I may, Ah Piau, I would like to recommend you to read the MOHE 2006 Report where they form the committee to " Study, Review and Make Recommendations Concerning the Development and Direction of Higher Education in Msia ( TOWARDS EXCELLENCE )"
The following were the signatories in the Report:
1 Tan Sri Dato Dr. Wan Mohd Zahid
2 Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Hj Zainal
3 Prof Emeritus Dato Khoo Kay Kim
4 Prof Dato Dr T Marimuthu
5 Prof Dato Dr Hassan Said
6 Prof Dato Dzulkifli Abd Razak
7 Datuk Dr Sulaiman Mahbob
8 Datuk Dr Abd Monir Yaacob
9 Prof Dato Dr Ibrahim Ahmad
10 Prof Dr Shaik Md Noor
11 Datuk Mustafa Mansur
The Terms of Reference of the said Study would assist you to find some answers.
Happy Reading :)
Before we turn our eyes to those dubious and biased local matriculation programme, we should look at our own backyards to ascertain the qualities of our local universities and other institutions of higher learning. How many of our degrees are recognised worldwide nowadays? While the degrees conferred by UM were on par with the renowned universities in Great Britain in yesteryears during the 60s, what's happened to our prestigious UM nowadays?
You may be surprised that the University of Bristol recognises matriculation.
Taken from the site.
Applicants with Matriculation Certificate (Matrikulasi) A CGPA of 2.0 satisfies the general entrance requirements of British higher education institutions, although a minimum CGPA of 3.0 is recommended for entry to more competitive courses will be considered for admission to our Bachelor degree programmes.
http://www.bris.ac.uk/international/recruit/countryaz/m/malaysia.html
Surprisingly, most of the UiTM's Degree recognized by the oversea universities. Most probably bcoz of professional recognition.
but matriculation must be same standard as STPM....compare to matriculation with STPM..STPM is more harder than matriculation as well....this will make unfair to STPM student..
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