KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal for a single university entrance exam for STPM, Matriculation, and Foundation students applying to public universities requires careful consideration, says Fadhlina Sidek.
In a parliamentary written reply, the Education Minister said the proposal to implement a single standardised national examination for all these pathways does indeed have the potential to streamline the IPTA admission system.
“However, its implementation requires very careful consideration as it involves multiple ministries, differing academic structures, and varied assessment methods.
“As such, any changes must undergo in-depth study and comprehensive evaluation to remain aligned with the Education Ministry’s commitment to providing fair and quality access to education for all students, regardless of their background,” she said in reply to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) who asked whether a single common public examination can be implemented for all STPM, matriculation, and foundation programmes when applying for places in public universities (IPTA) instead of the current practice of having three different examinations, in order to establish a more accurate and consistent basis for performance comparison aligned with excellence standards.
Fadhlina said the implementation of the admission system to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) is an important aspect in assessing students’ potential holistically, taking into account a balance between academic excellence and holistic development.
“Various educational pathways such as STPM, STAM, Foundation and Matriculation Programmes have been established to provide broader options for SPM leavers, in line with their individual inclinations and potential.
“Each of these pathways has its own structure and curriculum to cater to the diverse needs of students.
“Therefore, the assessment approaches used also differ, in accordance with the objectives and direction of the respective programs,” said the Education Minister.
