Dato Dr Hou Kok Chung
KUCHING: The Ministry of Higher Education has drawn up a temporary solution on registration issue for Private Higher Learning Institutions (IPTS) in the state.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dato Dr Hou Kok Chung yesterday said that the ministry has agreed to provide a conditional three year certification (perakuan tiga tahun bersyarat) to private educational institutions in the state.
“This means that during the period, IPTS must obtain approval from three agencies, namely the local authority, Health Department and Fire and Rescue Department,” he said during a meeting with representatives from the state’s IPTS.
Meanwhile, the ministry has already started a new initiative for a permanent solution to the matter, he added.
“The issue needs a permanent and viable solution. Therefore, I have started an initiative to speak to the Chief Minister’s Department on the matter and I hope we will hear good news soon,” he said.
Hou assured that the ministry will do their best to allow more educational institutions in the country.
“The ministry has bend backwards all the way in ensuring that IPTS here can operate without going against Act 555 (Private Institutions of Higher Learning Act),” he stated.
In addition, a new initiative has been carried out to encourage research collaborations between private and public higher learning institutions.
“The ministry will give priority of Fundamental Grant Research Schemes (FRMS) to this collaboration,” he said.
He also informed that the quality management system carried out by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has been well received by both private and public higher learning institutions.
Hou urged IPTS with college status to support and take part in MyQuest (Malaysian Quality Evaluation System) in order to gain the public’s trust and confidence.
According to him, MyQuest will provide IPTS with college status and insight on their strengths and weaknesses.
“Colleges which have been refused or applied to be excluded from MyQuest without concrete reasons will only invite poor perceptions from the public,” he stressed.
There are currently 485 IPTS in the country with 35 in Sarawak.