JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - Standards of polytechnics may be raised to enable them to offer degree courses to students.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he had instructed the polytechnic education department to conduct a study on the proposal as soon as possible.

He said the move was also at checking perceptions that polytechnics were "second-chance" institutes for those who could not get into public universities.

"At present, polytechnics offer diploma courses. We may elevate the standards of three or four polytechnics in the initial stage by enabling them to offer degree courses.

"We are aiming to ensure that polytechnics are at the same level as public universities, as they can be an alternative for students," he said after launching the Pasir Gudang parliamentary constituency excellence student awards here yesterday.

Mohamed Khaled, who is Pasir Gudang MP, said the ministry was also looking at offering more places in polytechnics, as a total of 120,000 people had applied this year for the 20,000 available places.

He said enrolment at the polytechnics was high as students could secure jobs easily upon graduation.

"Some polytechnics will be expected to emphasise niche courses such as IT diplomas, and improve co-operation with universities."

On the SPM and STPM revamp, Mohamed Khaled said it would increase the quality of students entering universities.

The Star/Asia News Network