Latest news with #matriculation
CNA
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Dennis Chew says he will stop working as a full-time DJ when he enrols at NUS next year
Two months ago, Love 972 DJ Dennis Chew shared that he was offered a spot to enrol at the National University of Singapore after graduating from Ngee Ann Poly with a diploma in Chinese Media & Communication. At that time, the 51-year-old said he was on the fence about starting university this year. Now that it's almost August, the time when universities start admitting students, Chew has decided to... defer his matriculation. In an interview with Chew shared that he's set to start school next year in August. Why the delay? Well, the busy bee just has too much unfinished work and has jobs lined up until December. Chew said he took on the gigs as he wasn't expecting to be accepted by NUS and that he would return to radio full-time after graduating from poly. Now, the soon-to-be Chinese Studies undergraduate plans to put his showbiz career aside once school starts. "If I go to university, I'll really give up on my full-time job temporarily and focus on school," he told over a WhatsApp voice message. He's making such a decision because he's someone who "can't multi-task" and also believes "university life will be very different [from poly]". How is he going to sustain financially though? The DJ said his "finances wouldn't be too affected" and that he could still take on jobs, such as endorsements, that are less time-consuming when school starts. "If I can make some pocket money, that'd be better," he said. He also thinks he wouldn't have to make that many changes to his lifestyle as he "isn't someone who splurges regularly anyway". "My money is all spent on food, buying toys, treating others to meals, and buying gifts for people," he chuckled. "Then I shall buy less gifts for others and less toys for myself. If I spend a little less on everything, then I can save a lot." The only thing Chew is unwilling to compromise on is going on holidays. "While I'm studying, I'll still go for vacations because the holidays are very long," he shared. Based on his experience in poly, Chew said schools don't give out homework during the term breaks which would allow him to thoroughly enjoy himself. "I love that kind of life. It's not like when you're working. Even when you go on leave, you have to worry about work. School is different, you don't know what you're going to study next anyway, so you can't prepare beforehand," said Chew.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Only scorers of 10As or A+ get direct entry to matriculation
SELAYANG: Only students who score 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), will be given automatic admission into matriculation colleges, Fadhlina Sidek clarified. However, the Education Minister said those with A- grades can still apply to matriculation institutions and are not excluded from being eligible for matriculation programmes. 'We never made any statements that A- is not an A or that an A- is not excellent. We never said that at all,' she told reporters after an award presentation ceremony for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia top scorers yesterday. She also said that 86% of students applying for matriculation programmes took nine subjects, while only 14% took 10 subjects. 'We must be fair to the 86% who sat for nine subjects. Only 14% took 10 subjects,' she said. She added that the ministry's focus on merit remains, especially since matriculation is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway. 'We give priority to that. But we never said that students with A- are ineligible to apply for matriculation. 'They can still apply and will go through the normal merit-based process,' she said. Fadhlina said other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment, are also considered during selection. 'We want to ensure that all students are given opportunities based on merit, set priorities and the quota system. ... We are making sure that all students are given placements based on a fair assessment of their circumstances,' she said. The clarification comes in response to public concern that students with A- were being sidelined in this year's matriculation intake. Previously, SPM students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year. However, a new circular issued on April 30 stipulates that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically for the 2025/2026 intake. On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
Malay Mail
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Nga Kor Ming hails Cabinet move to guarantee matriculation spots for 10A students
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — DAP National Deputy Chairman Nga Kor Ming has welcomed the Cabinet's decision to guarantee matriculation programme placements for all students who achieved 10As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, as announced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday. He said the decision reflects the MADANI Government's commitment towards meritocracy, equal opportunity, appreciation of local talents and the empowerment of young Malaysians in pursuing quality education. 'This inclusive policy, which applies regardless of race or background, recognises the outstanding efforts of our top-performing students. 'The Government is sending a clear message that academic excellence will be rewarded fairly and consistently and every Malaysian is being appreciated,' Nga said in a statement today. The Housing and Local Government Minister added that the decision aligns with the commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year and strengthens public confidence in the national education system. He expressed that the new policy ensures that no outstanding student is left behind and respects the Government's assurance that the existing Bumiputera quota system for matriculation will remain intact, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach. 'DAP remains committed to promoting policies that celebrate academic achievement while also advancing social equity. We believe that education is the greatest empowerment and tool towards building a fairer, more progressive and educated nation,' he said. Yesterday, MOE issued a statement saying all students who obtained 10As and above in last year's SPM examination and applied for the Matriculation Programme will be offered places, regardless of race or background. MOE said the decision was agreed upon at the Cabinet Meeting held earlier in the day. — Bernama
Malay Mail
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid urges Higher Education Ministry to review rejected applications from top SPM students
BAGAN DATUK, June 17 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the Ministry of Higher Education to review applications from outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students who were unsuccessful in securing a place at institutions of higher learning. He said that compassion and fairness must be shown to these students regardless of race, as they not only excelled in their examinations but are also the hope of their parents. 'For any student who did not gain admission into matriculation colleges, foundation programmes, or first-year degree courses, I hope they will be assisted in securing a place. Although I understand places are limited, they should be treated fairly, and efforts must be made to ensure they are given a place,' he said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, told reporters this after launching the 'Kembara Kesedaran Pendidikan Anak Desa (KeDESA) Didik MADANI 2025' programme at Politeknik Bagan Datuk today. Yesterday, it was announced that 150,557 SPM 2024 holders had received offers to continue their studies at public institutions of higher education, with 86,589 placed in public universities, 42,058 in polytechnics, 20,427 in community colleges and 1,483 in institutions under MARA's Higher Education Division. Ahmad Zahid also said he had requested the TVET Council Secretariat and the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) to consider admitting outstanding students with Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) Level 3 to 5 into MTUN institutions. 'For MTUN, in my view, each institution provides around 2,500 places. With six universities, that gives us 15,000 places. I hope SKM graduates who did not gain admission into public universities can submit an appeal to enter MTUN,' he said. Meanwhile, KeDESA Didik Madanu 2025 Main Committee chairman and adviser to the Bumiputera Education Movement of Malaysia, Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, said the programme aims to raise awareness and provide access to higher education for students from rural and remote areas. In her speech, she said the GPBM-organised programme applies the 4M concept – identifying qualified and needy students, understanding their socio-economic background and potential, raising awareness of the importance of education, and guiding students to the right channels to further their studies. She said that in 2024, a total of 10 programmes were held across three states – Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu – with a total attendance of nearly 10,000 participants. At the same event, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, presented awards and aid to outstanding SPM 2024 students from the Bagan Datuk constituency. — Bernama
The Star
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Debate over SPM grades focuses on children's future, not about ‘playing politics', says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: The fight to allow students with A- grades into the matriculation programme is not about 'playing politics' but about securing the future of children and ensuring fairness, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "This is not about race because we are fighting for all who are affected by the 'unfair policy' as education policies should not be changed at will, as our children's future is too important. "Some DAP ministers have accused me of playing politics over this issue. "Let me be clear, this is not about politics. It's about fairness for students and their families. It's about meritocracy and our children's future," said the MCA president on Facebook on Thursday (June 5). Dr Wee said DAP had lauded the Prime Minister last year when he announced that SPM candidates who scored 10As would receive automatic entry into matriculation, calling it a bold move. "But this year, without any public announcement, a circular dated April 30 stated that only A+ and A were considered as 'Grade A'. "Why was this done silently, after students had already taken their exams and received their results. "Where is the transparency and good governance DAP promised?" he asked. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had worked hard based on last year's criteria and now the goalposts had shifted, which he described as unfair. "If a policy is changed, it should be announced clearly, before students take the exam, not after," he added. Dr Wee said MCA had received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who were confused and heartbroken. "Last year A- was excellent, this year suddenly it's not. "We need solutions, not finger-pointing as the people deserve an answer," he added.
