UNIKL INTRODUCES OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME FOR WORKING INDIVIDUALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) has introduced an open and distance learning (ODL) programme, aimed at providing flexible and accessible educational opportunities, especially for working individuals.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said that the ODL Master’s programme, offered from October 2024, aims to offer more opportunities for individuals to pursue higher education.

“The UniKL ODL programme offers 100 per cent digital-based learning.

“The first ODL programme offered is a Masters in Computer Science, at the UniKL Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT), with more ODL Masters programmes to be available by 2025,” she said in her speech at UniKL’s 21st Convocation ceremony, at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, today.

Rubiah said with this initiative, education will be more accessible, particularly for the 18.3 million working individuals who are pursuing their studies independently.

She said UniKL has played a big role in making Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) the main choice for the younger generation and their parents, today.

“TVET achievements over the past two to three years have been remarkable, particularly with UniKL’s active role under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

“What is even more impressive is that UniKL has become a leading technical university, which is popular among students. This year, we achieved a 147 per cent increase in student enrollment,” she said.

Rubiah highlighted that UniKL is very active in establishing strategic collaborations with international universities and institutions, which has opened up opportunities for both students and lecturers to enhance their technical skills while contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce to meet industry demands.

UniKL has also maintained a high graduate employability rate, of 97.5 per cent in 2023, further underscoring the quality of TVET, she noted.

The four-day convocation ceremony, held from Nov 16 to 19, 2024, saw 6,602 graduates receiving their doctorates, masters, bachelors, diplomas and professional certificates in various fields, including engineering technology, business, information technology, and health sciences.

This year, Mohamad Solehin Zulkarnain, a graduate of the Bachelor of Occupational Safety and Health (Honours) programme at UniKL Malaysian Institute of Medical Science Technology (UniKL MESTECH), was awarded the Chancellor’s Award.

Meanwhile, the Special Ulul Albab Award was presented to Muaz Md Akhir Al-Hafiz, a graduate of the Bachelor of Marine Engineering Technology (Honours) programme at UniKL Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET).

-- BERNAMA