By Zareef Muzammil
KLANG, July 20 — The variety of courses offered at the "Jom Jejak Ke Kolej Kerajaan" programme has rekindled a young woman's enthusiasm for pursuing higher education.
Disappointed by the rejection of her applications to join business management courses at public institutions of higher learning, Nurul Haziqah Hashim, 18, was thrilled to apply for her desired course at the programme organised by the Sentosa state constituency today.
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Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leaver and former SMK Tengku Ampuan Rahimah student Nurul Haziqah Hashim, 18, on July 20, 2024. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Not wanting to disappoint her parents, the youngest of six siblings expressed the desire to study business management to learn its ins and outs, with the goal of continuing her mother's snack business in the future.
"After receiving my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results recently, I applied for this course at Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, and polytechnics, but all (my) applications were rejected.
“For several days, I was very disappointed because I felt there was no chance for me to continue my studies. Jom Jejak Ke Kolej Kerajaan gave me back my spirit as there are colleges offering this course, and I hope to be accepted," said the former SMK Tengku Ampuan Rahimah student.
Another participant, P. Thevkantth, 18, attended the programme to find a suitable course after failing to secure a place in public universities for accounting, his first choice of study.
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Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leaver and former SM Sri Acmar student P. Thevkantth, 18, on July 20, 2024. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"Previously, I applied for an accounting course at several polytechnics but was rejected, with most offering me my second choice instead, which is mechanical engineering.
“I am aware that no colleges offer an accounting course in Jom Jejak Ke Kolej Kerajaan, but the counsellor suggested I apply for other suitable courses like computer science and mechanical engineering. So, I am open to their ideas,” said the former SM Sri Acmar student.
Meanwhile, ex-SMK Perempuan Methodist pupil S. Pavitra, 18, sought an institution offering multimedia courses due to her interest in visual editing and photography careers.
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Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leaver and former SMK Perempuan Methodist student S. Pavitra, 18, on July 20, 2024. — Picture by ZAREEF MUZAMMIL/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"To date, I have not applied to any colleges to continue my studies. I came today to get further guidance from the counsellor about this course.
"There are colleges providing this course. I will register with the relevant college after discussing it with my parents," she said.
On his part, Sentosa state assemblyman G Gunaraj said the initiative aligns with the commitment to empower education and brighten the opportunities for SPM graduates who fail to secure university placements.
"This programme raises awareness (among students and their families) that many colleges offer specific courses to continue studies without having to pay high tuition fees.
"One should not assume that less than stellar SPM results are the end for one in continuing their education. Everyone should be given the opportunity to study," he said, adding that over 200 students participated in Jom Jejak Ke Kolej Kerajaan.
The programme, held at the Klang Royal City Council's Dewan Serbaguna, involved 11 colleges and institutions, including the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre, Universiti Selangor, and Kolej Komuniti Klang.
Other institutions include the National Youth Advance Skills Training Institute in Dusun Tua, the Advanced Technology Training Centre, Kolej Komuniti Kuala Langat, the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Kuala Langat, the ILP in Kuala Lumpur, and Akademi Dalam Industri.
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Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leavers and their families enquiring about the potential higher education institution courses during the Jom Jejak Ke Kolej Kerajaan programme, at the Klang Royal City Council's Dewan Serbaguna in Klang, on July 20, 2024. — Picture via FACEBOOK/ADUN SENTOSA YB GUNARAJ[/caption]
