RM56 billion, or 23.4% of Budget 2015 will be allocated by the government to the Education Ministry for developing human capital. This covers all levels from pre-school to higher education and includes teacher training institutions, polytechnics and community colleges with focus on research, with emphasis given towards strengthening schools which require guidance and special assistance.
Highlights include:
• RM1.2 billion allocated for the Vocational and Technical Transformation Programme (TEVT) to increase intake of students in vocational and community colleges.
• RM112 million will be allocated for MyBrain15 Programme, which aims to produce 60,000 PhD holders by 2023. The programme, which is currently for the private sector, is proposed to be extended to civil servants and employees of statutory bodies who are keen to further their studies on part-time basis in local higher learning institutions.
• Allocation of RM3 billion will be used for sponsoring education, of which RM1.9 million will be given to the Public Service Department, Education Ministry (RM759 million) and Health Ministry (RM258 million).
• Talent Corp will provide RM30 million for the Industry Academia Collaboration programme where universities, government entities and industries would collaborate to develop the curriculum for internship programmes and industrial training, for the purpose of enhancing graduates’ employability.
• Beginning next year, the minimum Malaysian University English Test (MUET) band as the general entry requirements for enrolling in public institutions of higher learning (IPTA),
will be increased accordingly based on the field of study.