KOTA KINABALU: Choosing the right course can be a daunting task especially for those who have just received their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) results.
With so many course options to choose from coupled with the long list of higher learning institutions, it is no wonder some would just give up even before they start.
It is the importance of guiding the students in making the right choice that prompted the Ministry of Education (MoE) to organise the Higher Learning Institutions Carnival 2014 and this year marks its 10th successful edition.
This outreach programme by the ministry, better known as ‘Jom Masuk U’, is a one-stop centre for those seeking to find out more about tertiary education available locally and to obtain the much-needed advice.
The Higher Education Carnival is held for two days starting Saturday at 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Visitors can get more information regarding higher education learning during these two days including information concerning scholarships etc.
Chloe Eve Robert Tojuka, 21, who spent a year at Labuan Matriculation in 2011, is forever thankful to the ministry for organising such a carnival where all the information can be found at one place, thus making it easier for visitors.
The eldest child among four siblings is now in her second year pursuing Mathematics and Computer Graphics at the School of Science and Technology of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Chloe was among visitors at “Jom Masuk U” back in 2012 and along with her parents Robert Tojuka and Jacinta Raymond, they went to the carnival to find out the best option for her.
She believes that university is the best way to upgrade oneself and this exhibition has the best resources for future graduates.
“I prefer local public universities because not only are the fees cheaper but they also help us to expand our horizon and bring out our full potential,” she added.
A student of a leading private technology college in Kota Kinabalu, Abraham Antonio Muthu, 24, shares the same vision as Chloe. Like her, Abraham did some research and comparison with other institutions before deciding on his choice of a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management course under the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
When asked about his hopes, Abraham, whose father Edward Muthu is from Teluk Intan, Perak and mother Jacinta Kissol from Kg Bahang, Penampang, said that he aimed to score high in his Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and secure a scholarship to further his studies to a degree course.
He reasoned that he wants to follow in the footsteps of his sister Teresa who was a student with UMS and graduated last year with a First Class degree in Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons.) under the School of International Tropical Forestry.
“I was working as a manager in the Food & Beverage business before deciding to go back to studying again to expand my knowledge in this new field,” he said, adding that he planned to open a small business related to his course of study.
For 23-year-old Ahmad Farhan Shah, who has just recently graduated from Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu, the “Jom Masuk U” carnival was a great help in making his decision to sign up for the Diploma in Hospitality Management, which was his first choice.
“I love the tourism industry and I can see a great future in this industry here in Sabah,” he said adding that he hoped the tourism industry would become the main source of income for the country as Malaysia has many natural attractions.
The second child among three siblings, Farhan who is also doing part time radio announcing in English plans to work and study for a degree course at a local university and be successful in whatever he does.