OF late, much has debated on the Education Ministry’s new quota for the matriculation programme.
I am neither an educationist nor academician. I am, however, the product of the old school system. I sat SRP (Sijil Rendah Pelajaran), MCE (Malaysian Certification of Education, which is Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia equivalent) and HSC (Higher School Certificate, which is Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia equivalent) before I continued with my tertiary education at a university in the United States.
I ventured into education when I started home tuition for primary schoolchildren and later for secondary students, which was organised by a charity non-governmental organisation.
While I was at university, I tutored freshmen and sophomore students during my senior year.
Matriculation is merely a formal process for a student to fulfil certain academic requirements set by the university before one is admitted as an undergraduate (mahasiswa) of a university.
Most universities or higher learning institutions overseas
do not have a matriculation or pre-university programme. In Malaysia, STPM results are used for students to enter faculties in any university, while students with SPM results are required to take the one-year matriculation programme before they start their degree courses. This is similar in many Commonwealth countries.
In the US, all high school students must pass the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), a standardised test widely used for college admissions.
The Education Ministry should standardise university intake based on STPM results. Make it compulsory for those wanting to enter university to attend Form Six.
Matriculation should only be for those who were unable to undergo Form Six or those from
the Bottom 40 per cent households.
Another scenario for students to go for matriculation is if they scored a pass in STPM, but failed to meet the Unit Pusat Universiti’s standard requirement for entrance to a university.
I hope the ministry reviews the matriculation programme. Make STPM the entry ticket into local universities.
CHOONG MEE FATT
Treasurer, American Universities Alumni Malaysia Association