BY VOON YIH BOON & NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Communications Department senior lecturer, Dr Mus Chairil Samani recently urged local universities to study the possibility of forming a 2U2I programme where varsity students spend two years studying and the remaining two years in the industry.
He said this was particularly appropriate for students in the broadcasting and production line for them to gain more exposure to the industry.
He said with the setting up of TVS, the first Sarawak TV station, local and up-coming Sarawak talents and professionals could benefit from it.
“TVS can mobilise the expertise available in public and private institutions of higher learning. Public and private universities can send their students to do industrial training with TVS.
“They must explore the possibility of creating a two-year programme at the university and two years at the industry (2U2I) to produce employees and human resources that meet the needs of the industry,” he added.
In a statement a few days later, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told Bernama the implementation of the 2U2I learning concept that combined two elements, namely a two-year study programme at the university and two-year industrial training, would prepare graduates for the employment market.
He said the concept, pioneered by agencies under his ministry through the National Enrepreneurship Institute (Insken), provided training and coaching platforms, both in theory and practical.
He added he believed continuous learning took place not only within the scope of the lecture room but also placement in the industry.
He said his ministry supported and promoted 2U2I as the best mechanism to prepare graduates for the job market.
The minister revealed that his ministry had initiated the placement of graduates in government-linked companies (GLCs) and the private sector to hone their talents, provide exposure and increase their marketability.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed some lecturers and students to find out their views on the 2U2I concept.
DR REMMY GEDAT (Undergraduate Deputy Dean of Faculty of Language & Communication)
‘ 2U2I is a very good programme that should be implemented. With two years’ experience in the industry, students will be able to enter the industry straight away after graduation.
The 2U2I can be done by any study programme as long as the university conducts its own market research. Of course, the strategic partners from the industry play an important role, too.’
ABNER NORMAN (Computer Science lecturer)
‘The concept will benefit students and allow them to apply knowledge in the lecture room to real work experience. It also offers a platform for employers from the industry, academic institutions and graduates to connect. It will produce professional and highly qualified graduates who can contribute productively to society.’
ALYMPHIA JATI UNJA (student)
‘Learning something in theory and applying it in the work field for a long period of time will help produce graduates who are creative, innovative and can think critically. This will encourage them to be more involved in activities such as volunteering to improve their social and communication skills.’
CHEAH HONG SIN (student)
‘I have just completed my industrial training and I agree with the 2U2I concept. I think it is suitable for all students. Experience is much more important than the theoretical knowledge you gain in university when you undertake real-life tasks later on.’
LUA SHAHEENA SAWANDARAPANDY (student)
‘I support the implementation of the 2U2I concept. I always believe that learning comes largely from the first-hand experience. This concept allows students to master skills not available in the lecture halls.’
HO PHAIK WAI (student)
‘As far as I know, interns are being paid minimal salaries. If we have to complete two years of practical training, will the money we receive cover our living expenses and additional tuition fees? Will it be an extra burden for students if they have to squeeze the theoretical part into two years instead of the usual three years?’
