Malaysia loses talents and economic benefits if UEC not recognised

Getting the government to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) has long been a serious bone of contention. Last year, hopes of its possible recognition was quashed when government announced that UEC did not conform to the National Education System.

Despite government's decision, advocates of UEC continue to rally on the benefits of recognising this academic qualification in our public universities.

Among them is Datuk Mah Siew Keong, who believes that recognising UEC will be economically beneficial to Malaysia. According to him, China is Malaysia's biggest trading partner, and if UEC is recognised then Malaysians would better know how to deal with China.

"Why spend money on bringing back talent by TalentCorp, when you can prevent them from going overseas by recognising the UEC," added the Gerakan president.

Meanwhile, DAP's Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching said that the country is losing many talented people because UEC students are going overseas to study. Teo said students graduating from independent Chinese schools found it difficult to enter university and many opted to study in countries like Singapore.

UEC holders cannot enter public universities, although they are recognised by local private institutions and international tertiary educational institutions in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, China and some European countries. About 400 foreign tertiary institutions around the world, including top varsities such as Oxford University and National University of Singapore, accept UEC.

In 2010, PTPTN allowed UEC holders to apply for loan. UEC students who have scored distinction in Bahasa Malaysia and 3 other subjects could qualify for admission to teacher training colleges in the country.

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