KUCHING – Diploma graduates from Politeknik Mukah Sarawak (PMU) will be able to further their studies at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus following the signing of an agreement by both institutions, recently.
Under the “Note of Understanding” PMU diploma graduates will have the opportunity to undertake relevant degree programs at the Australian university branch campus.
To date about 3,000 students have graduated from the polytechnic located in Sarawak’s central region, which offers courses in ICT, commerce and civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Shabudin bin Man, the Deputy Director General (Strategic) from the Department of Polytechnic Education at the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, said at the simple signing ceremony that while most polytechnic graduates join the workforce after completing their studies, about 20 per cent apply into public universities to further their studies.
“To get into public universities they have to compete with students from schools who have completed their A Levels, STPM and matriculation.
“This is where Swinburne and other private universities can play their roles to be able to offer our students places for them to study.”
He also said that the 4,000 students from 60 countries studying at Swinburne Sarawak create an international atmosphere which helps in the students’ learning.
Both PMU and Swinburne Sarawak will also cooperate in other areas mutually agreed upon.
Another area of collaboration the polytechnic is interested to pursue is research, said Shabudin, as PMU lecturers are now required to take on this aspect in order to advance in their career.
Swinburne Sarawak has a strong focus on research. Its Research Centre for Sustainable Technologies was opened in 2012 to boost the university’s research programs, promote research collaborations and instill best research practices, with the common emphasis on sustainability.
“I am hoping that, if possible, you can expand the collaboration with Politeknik Mukah and also with our polytechnics in West Malaysia,” he said, adding that he hopes the collaboration will also be a good start for his department.
Swinburne Sarawak Deputy Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Janet Gregory said the campus was founded as part of the Sarawak government’s strategy to deliver human capital for the industrialisation needs of the State.
“We are therefore very pleased to be working together with Politeknik Mukah Sarawak in offering its diploma graduates with the opportunity to pursue degree programs at Swinburne Sarawak, as well as the opportunity to work in the development of human capital related to the education and research industry.
“Over the years, Swinburne Sarawak has worked together with many organisations, both from the private and public sector, as part of our commitment to produce highly qualified people that Sarawak needs for its development.”
Gregory, who was the signatory in the NOU, was witnessed by the university’s Director for Government and External Liaison Datu Dr Haji Julaihi Haji Bujang.
PMU Deputy Director (Academic) Tuan Haji Ahmad Masduki bin Selamat signed on behalf of PMU Director Lt Kol Bersekutu (PA) Abdubrani bin Yunus, witnessed by Shabudin.