RPTM 2026-2035 OPENS SPACE TO STRENGTHEN STUDENT ACCESS, QUALITY AND WELFARE - UMK

By Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri

KOTA BHARU, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- The comprehensive approach of the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035 unveiled recently by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim opens new opportunities for Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to strengthen student access, quality and welfare, said its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Arham Abdullah.

He said UMK supports all eight key announcements under the blueprint and is committed to implementing the government’s policies in a structured and effective manner as a public higher education institution (IPTA).

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On the guarantee of placement at public universities for high-achieving students, Arham said UMK fully supports a merit-based approach and will ensure students with a CGPA of 4.0 who choose UMK as their first option are given admission, subject to programme requirements.

UMK also supports the exemption of tuition fees for students with disabilities (OKU) to promote inclusive and equitable education.

“Currently, UMK has 31 OKU students, and the university bears their tuition fees, estimated at RM180,000 over the duration of their studies,” he told Bernama.

Arham said the initiative not only eases students’ financial burden but also reflects UMK’s commitment to accessibility, welfare and inclusivity within its learning ecosystem.

On the addition of 1,500 high-impact elective courses, he said that UMK is ready to support the initiative through programmes in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, computing, Islamic banking and finance, accounting, communication, digital media and language studies.

These programmes, offered through UMK’s four main faculties, are aligned with the needs of the digital economy and technological change, while supporting the development of industry-relevant and competitive graduates, he noted.

Arham said UMK also welcomed the involvement of government-linked investment companies (GLICs) in building student accommodation to address housing shortages at public universities.

“UMK currently has about 14,800 students, but can house only 6,157 on or near campus, or roughly 42 per cent of total enrolment.

“With this new initiative, student accommodation capacity is expected to increase, ensuring greater comfort and welfare,” he said.

On strengthening General Studies (MPU) subjects, Arham said UMK supports curriculum reforms that emphasise identity building, appreciation of history, the Constitution and civic values.

He said the approach is crucial in producing holistic graduates who are not only employable but also ethical and firmly grounded in national identity.

At the same time, he stressed that UMK also views Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic partner through collaboration with polytechnics and community colleges to create more flexible education pathways.

He said the approach would help produce not only professional talent but also technical workers, including technicians in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data and robotics.

Overall, Arham said the RPTM 2026-2035 provides a clear direction for transforming Malaysia’s higher education system, with UMK committed to supporting its implementation in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration and the UMK30 agenda.

-- BERNAMA