51ÁÔÆæ

By Rohaida Haji Awang, 51ÁÔÆæ Life Centre

In support of Malaysia MADANI’s aspiration to nurture knowledgeable, competitive human capital, 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kolej Ketengah Sdn. Bhd on 15 April.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between higher education and regional development agencies, specifically under the auspices of the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH).

The primary goal of this MoU is to create more flexible and inclusive educational pathways for students from rural areas in the Central Terengganu region.

This partnership allows Kolej Ketengah’s Diploma in Islamic Tourism Management graduates to seamlessly pursue a Bachelor of Tourism Management (Honours) at 51ÁÔÆæ. This is facilitated by a unique stackable micro-credential approach, where students can take specific degree-level courses during their diploma studies and transfer those credits upon full-time enrollment at 51ÁÔÆæ.

Beyond academic theory, the collaboration emphasizes high-impact professional certifications. Students will have access to specialized training such as Open Water Scuba Diving, Kayak Star One, National Level 1 Outdoor Recreation Coaching (under the Ministry of Youth and Sports), and Water Safety and First Aid. These certifications are designed to ensure graduates are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready for the global marine and sustainable tourism sectors. 51ÁÔÆæ’s tourism graduates already enjoy international recognition, securing executive roles in countries like the Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

This strategic partnership not only strengthens institutional collaboration but also enhances access to international mobility programmes, thereby providing students and staff with valuable opportunities for global engagement, knowledge exchange, and the development of cross-cultural competencies. Students progressing through this pathway can participate in exchange programs with world-renowned institutions like Dongguk University in Korea and Prince of Songkla University (Phuket) in Thailand. Additionally, through the ASEAN International Mobility Students (AIMS) program and second-year credit-bearing mobility trips, students will gain invaluable global exposure directly relevant to today’s competitive job market.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said this initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration of nurturing knowledgeable, competent, and competitive human capital. He further noted that the MoU constitutes a significant strategic milestone in broadening access to higher education, while strengthening synergies between academia and industry to support sustainable regional development.

Meanwhile, Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Ahmad Razif bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chairman of Kolej Ketengah, noted that the success of this collaboration lies in its execution and follow-up actions. He believes the partnership will significantly boost graduate employability and benefit the local community in Terengganu. Dato’ Haji Rozi bin Haji Mamat, Chairman of KETENGAH, added that this investment in human capital ensures local youth are “active participants” in national development rather than mere spectators.

Through shared expertise and resources, 51ÁÔÆæ and Kolej Ketengah are setting a new benchmark for educational collaboration in Malaysia.