Latest news with #UnifiedExaminationCertificate
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
MOH outlines plan to fill 14,000 nurse vacancies
KUALA LUMPUR: Public healthcare facilities are grappling with 14,000 nursing vacancies despite the total number of nurses nationwide, in both public and private sectors, reaching 120,667 as of June. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is actively tackling the shortage through a multi-pronged strategy. These include recruiting nursing students in phases from public and private institutions through the Public Service Department, doubling the annual intake at the ministry's training institutes from 1,500 to 3,000, and increasing the number of appointments from 800 to 1,000 annually. He said the moratorium on private nursing programmes has been lifted, and 12 new institutions have applied to offer diploma courses. "Entry requirements for diploma programmes have been relaxed from five credits to three in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination from January 2025 to December 2026. We are also opening up access to Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM), Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates and others," he said in a statement today. Dzulkefly emphasised that credits in core subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics and Science remain mandatory to ensure the quality of future nursing graduates. As an interim measure, the ministry is also allowing private healthcare facilities to recruit foreign-trained nurses under strict conditions, he said. These include a cap requiring at least 60 per cent of nurses to be local, mandatory passing of the Malaysian Nursing Board qualification examination, and full compliance with employment conditions. "This move does not involve public facilities and will not affect opportunities for local nurses," he assured. Responding to remarks by a Malay-language daily's editor, Dzulkefly said he is committed to systemic improvements over superficial changes. "Between shaping up or being shipped out, I choose to shape up. I believe fixing the system is more important than building the perception of me running the ministry," he said. "I'm not promising that everything will be settled soon. But I promise that we listen, we act and we will not stay silent." Dzulkefly also acknowledged that the On-Call Duty Allowance cannot be implemented at this time due to manpower constraints preventing the rollout of Flexible Working Hours. However, he has instructed Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab to continue efforts to secure the allowance for eligible healthcare workers, with stakeholder discussions ongoing. In addressing the UD10 permanent doctor placements, Dzulkefly said 2,248 medical officers can now access their postings via the enhanced ePlacement system, which was reactivated on July 8 following earlier technical issues. The appeal period runs until July 14, and results will be announced on Aug 19.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari's Sandhurst initiative strategic move to strengthen Sarawak's defence, says Tiang
Michael Tiang KUCHING (July 5): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's Sandhurst initiative has been hailed as a strategic step toward enhancing Sarawak's human capital in the areas of security and defence. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said this initiative is forward-looking, timely and crucial with Sarawak seeing to strengthen its capacity and capability in security particularly in border protection and marine defence within the South China Sea. 'I fully support the recent statement by Premier of Sarawak that Sarawak is prepared to send our youths to undergo officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, as part of our broader human capital development strategy. 'The professional and world-class military training at Sandhurst will undoubtedly equip Sarawakian youths with the discipline, leadership and strategic thinking essential for modern defence roles,' he said in a statement today. He also commended and supported Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi's suggestion to explore the revival of the historic Sarawak Rangers. Tiang opined that the legacy and spirit of the Sarawak Rangers should be reawakened as a proud symbol of the state's local heritage in national defence. 'Their revival, in tandem with the Sandhurst initiative, can offer our youth a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in serving the state and nation,' he said. Tiang added that the state government should consider extending these scholarship opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Historically, the Chinese community has been under-represented in uniformed services such as the police and military, often due to cultural perceptions or limited pathways, he regretted. Given this, he believed that the offer of such scholarships will definitely attract Chinese youths to choose to be part of Sarawak's security and defence forces. 'By opening up these opportunities, we will encourage a new generation of Sarawakians, regardless of ethnic background or educational stream, to contribute to our state's security and resilience. 'It is also a powerful way to promote inclusivity and shared responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak's future,' said Tiang. He said Sarawak must continue to lead by example in shaping a society that values service, unity and excellence, adding that this initiative is a bold step in that direction.
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Cakap tak serupa bikin': SUPP Stakan chief says DAP's 30 pct Petronas stake proposal is political hypocrisy
Sim describes the proposal as a 'recycled promise in new packaging', branding it a political manoeuvre disguised as a policy proposal. KUCHING (June 11): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman, Dato Sim Kiang Chiok, has dismissed Sarawak Democratic Action Party's (DAP) recent proposal for Sarawak to acquire 30 per cent equity in Petronas as a political gimmick aimed at shoring up its support base in the state. In a statement today, he described the proposal as a 'recycled promise in new packaging', branding it a political manoeuvre disguised as a policy proposal. 'DAP's proposal for 30 per cent Petronas equity is just a new version of the same old tactic. In their first term in federal power, they promised 20 per cent oil royalty, 50 per cent tax return to Sarawak, and UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) recognition. 'None of it happened. Even now, in their second term in government, there's no progress,' he said. Sim urged Sarawakians to see through what he called 'empty promises and false premises' meant to sustain DAP's political relevance, rather than bring real change. He also criticised Sarawak DAP's elected representatives, accusing them of underperforming while drawing salaries from both Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). 'The people of Sarawak have been misled before. This 30 per cent equity narrative is no different. It is simply a ploy to protect DAP's vote bank, not a genuine commitment to Sarawak's rights. 'We cannot afford to keep DAP politicians who don't deliver. Their excuse of acting as check and balance is weak because they're more concerned about ATM card designs than real issues that affect Sarawakians,' said Sim. Sim also highlighted what he sees as contradictions in DAP's stance on political appointments. While the party claims its members should not hold state agency positions, it currently chairs federal bodies such as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh). 'DAP leaders say one thing and do another. It's the classic 'cakap tak serupa bikin' (talk does not match action),' he said. Sim pointed to a recent policy in Penang where the DAP-led state government came under fire after introducing a five per cent homeownership discount for Indian Muslims under the Madani Home Ownership Campaign. 'DAP has always sold itself as a party of meritocracy and equality, but this shows otherwise. They'll say anything to gain power, then do the opposite to hold on to it,' he said. In recent reports, Penang's Housing and Environment Committee chairman, S. Sundarajoo, defended the move, saying it was meant to increase homeownership among communities with low participation in the open market and does not infringe on the rights of others. 'This discount is offered by developers as a form of social responsibility and does not involve any financial support or subsidy from the state government,' said Sundarajoo. Sim thus called on Sarawakians to reject DAP's political theatrics and demand real action from those seeking their mandate. 30 per cent equity stake dap Petronas Sim Kiang Chiok SUPP Stakan
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak group calls for dedicated ICSS funding, UEC recognition, inclusion in national education
Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board has urged the federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. — File photo KUCHING (June 8):The federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. This resolution was adopted by the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board during its recent annual general meeting (AGM). The association said this grant should be available to all ICSS nationwide to help improve educational facilities, campus buildings and teacher training. 'This support is important to raise education quality and ensure fair distribution of resources among schools,' said the association in a statement today. Another resolution called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a regular dialogue platform involving the federal government, Sarawak govenrment and the association. This platform, the association explained, would enable ongoing discussions on policies, resources and cooperation, helping to address the needs of ICSS, support effective policy implementation and align ICSS development with national talent goals. Additionally, it urged the MoE to revise its policies to formally recognise ICSS as a vital and legitimate part of the national education system. 'The long-standing contributions of ICSS and their dedication to mother-tongue education should be affirmed, with appropriate policy support and official recognition granted,' it said. The association also called on the federal government to fully recognise Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), especially for admission to public universities, civil service recruitment and professional qualification registration. 'Full recognition of the UEC is important to ensure equal opportunities for all students, promote fairness and inclusion and support the nation's commitment to multiculturalism and diverse education pathways.' In another resolution, the association urged MPs to back efforts in Parliament to officially recognise the UEC through laws and policies, which they believe will help create a fair, inclusive and diverse education system. 'We support working closely with both ruling and opposition parties to explain the education goals of ICSS and the importance of the UEC. This is to gain understanding and support from all sides,' it explained. Furthermore, it urged political leaders, public figures and the media to speak responsibly and refrain from making statements that could inflame racial tensions, in line with safeguarding national unity and social harmony. Towards this end, it called upon the federal government to enforce laws and promote multicultural education to create a fair, inclusive and trusting environment for public discussion. The association also encouraged Putrajaya to take a more open and inclusive approach in recognising the important role of ICSS within the national education system, advocating for reforms that provide proper recognition and support to these schools. It proposed that the federal government adopt the Sarawak government's approach toward ICSS and actively engage in dialogue and cooperation with all political parties. 'Only through collaborative efforts across the political spectrum can key policies such as the recognition of the UEC, be advanced to promote educational equity and support diverse development, truly reflecting the vision of 'One Nation, Unity in Diversity',' it said. According to the association, ICSS is an important part of the country's educational and cultural diversity. It believed that formal recognition and support will help close policy gaps, promote unity, develop diverse talents and strengthen the nation's overall competitiveness. 'We remain committed to working together with the federal government, Sarawak government, all political parties and education partners to build a fair, inclusive,and high-quality national education system,' it said. Providing background on ICSS, the association noted that these schools have operated mainly through their own funding, having nurtured many bilingual or trilingual students who perform well academically and have strong moral values. It emphasised that these schools are an important part of the national education system. 'However, the federal government has not yet fully recognised UEC. Because of this, UEC qualifications are not accepted for entry into public universities or the civil service, limiting students' chances for higher education and jobs. 'This has led to a loss of talent and creates a major obstacle to fair education and building a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the country,' added the association.
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
117 top SPM, UEC students receive awards from Dr Sim
A group photo taken during the awards presentation ceremony. KUCHING (May 18): A total of 117 students who excelled in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) examinations last year received awards and certificates from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian yesterday. Most of the recipients, who scored at least 5As, were from SMK Batu Kawa, SM Min Lit Batu Kawa, and SMK Jalan Arang, while some were from secondary schools outside the Batu Kawah constituency. Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister and Batu Kawah assemblyman, presented the awards during a ceremony recognising their academic achievements. In his address, Dr Sim said the awards aim to recognise and encourage students for their outstanding performance in both examinations. He noted that many students from his constituency had excelled in public examinations, reflecting the high standard of Sarawakian students. 'It is also a testament to the strong emphasis parents place on education and the dedication of our teachers,' he said. Dr Sim highlighted that Sarawak has produced many outstanding talents across various fields, such as an internationally renowned cancer researcher, demonstrating the exceptional potential of Sarawakians. 'Our Sarawak Heart Centre, developed entirely by our own efforts, has now become a prominent specialist hospital in the region. Sarawak General Hospital has also gained international recognition in several specialties, proving the capabilities of Sarawakians,' he pointed out. Dr Sim further said the Sarawak government is actively promoting educational development, not only by offering incentives and benefits but also by providing free tertiary education through its five state-owned universities to nurture more talent. He emphasised that Sarawak's rapid development requires more technical graduates to meet future human capital demands. 'Therefore, wherever they may be in the future, graduates should always remember that Sarawak is their home and should come home to give back to their community,' he added. award Dr Sim Kui Hian lead outstanding students SPM UEC
