'Women not left from ICT mainstream'

KOTA KINABALU: About 48 per cent of Internet users in the country are women, which shows that they are not left out from the information and communication technology (ICT) mainstream, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

He said the statistics showed that opportunities in the ICT sector were not only limited to the men "because women too could raise their socio-economic standard with the Internet access provided whether in the urban or rural areas".

 

"The women are as capable as the men in applying the facilities created through the 'online' business at home," he said.

 

Dr Yee, who is also the State Minister of Resource and Information Technology Development, said this in his speech at the dinner in conjunction with the World Telecommunications and Informed Society Day 2012 organised by the Malaysian Communicatons and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), here last night.

 

He called on everyone to assist the MCMC in efforts to reduce the digital gap and raise the use of broadband in the state with the various initiatives including the widening of the broadband coverage being implemented currently. -- BERNAMA

 

International school offers holistic British education

PETALING JAYA: British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL), located at Bandar Utama, was recently officiated by the British High Commissioner Simon Featherstone.

Each classroom is equipped with interactive white boards and students are introduced to the information technology skills from an early age.

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The school aims to provide a holistic British education in the country.

BSKL has a student population of 550 and offers education from pre-nursery (aged 2) until year 13 (aged 17). Thirty-nine per cent of its students are locals while the rest is made up of  40 different nationalities.

"The children get quality British education and a chance to be part of a global community," said Featherstone.

Each classroom has a maximum of 20 students. Since BSKL's inception in 2009, on average, 95 per cent of the students score above the expected requirements of the English National Curriculum.

Director of the British Schools Group Stewart Fry said students' linguistic, creative and sports abilities are also encouraged together with their academic capabilities.

Students are also taught Asian languages such as Malay and Mandarin.

The school also offers its students development opportunities through Tottenham Hotspur Football development programme, primary instrumental programme, wall climbing and dance. This is to allow the children  to find their niche ability.

BSKL also has an ambitious music programme. As part of the normal music curriculum, every child from Year 2 to Year 7 learns to play a musical instrument. Year 2 to 4 pupils are offered violin, viola or cello. Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils get to choose from an array of instruments such as saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone and euphonium.

"Drama, music and art classes are offered   to nurture the creative streaks among  children.

"Sports are not only part of the physical education subject but are also emphasised through football and swimming tournaments to instil in  students  sportsmanship," said Fry.

Headmaster of BSKL Gilbard Honey-Jones said phase two of the school will be opened in 2013 and there will be an increase of  1,000 students.

Head of BSKL middle school, David Kirkham, said the students are also taught to be independent and the schools' behavioural policy is excellent. He added that each classroom is also equipped with interactive white boards and students are introduced to the information technology skills from an early age. 

UNITY: We must all learn to be more tolerant

I REFER to the report "PM: Help all to understand" (NST, Feb 16). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said it was important to understand the various cultures and religions in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak says Malaysia is a model of multiracial unity.

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 So, why not have a campaign on this to ensure that all Malaysians will be better informed  of  the many things that we  do not know about others and their religions.

 Yes, we must  all learn about Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism to become a more tolerant and accepting society.

 When meeting with religious leaders at the World Interfaith Harmony Week at Seri Perdana,  Putrajaya, on Wednesday, Najib said   people should not be confused over what constituted culture and what constituted religious belief.

 He hoped more effort would  be made to promote understanding and awareness  through discussion and education so that the rakyat could  understand clearly the differences and similarities between  the various races in the country.

 Let us do all things in moderation and use persuasion rather than force in whatever we do.

 Let us accept all, whoever they are or to whatever religion or creed they belong.

 That is the answer to our differences and troubles. I say we stand up and say no to extremism in any form. That should be the  way in Malaysia from now on.

 And in moderation, we can guide this nation to prosperity.

 Najib cited  his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration in Batu Caves recently as an example, which  had been questioned by some quarters because he wore the kurta, a traditional Indian attire for men.

 "They are not aware that in India, millions of Indians who are Muslims wear the kurta daily. Are they then not Muslims?

 "As such, it is incumbent upon the committee tasked with interfaith understanding to clarify such matters," Najib said.

  He added that with the  advancement in information technology, whatever was said by anyone could spread like wildfire, causing people  to face a more challenging environment and requiring more effort to promote understanding and awareness on a continuous basis.

 He said Malaysians appreciated the harmony and prosperity enjoyed all this while due to its moderate policies that were very much in line with Islamic teachings.

  "As such, if there is a country which wants to showcase itself as a model of multiracial unity, I don't think there is a country better than Malaysia."

 I believe him. Trust me, there can be no better  place than Malaysia.

Bulbir Singh, Seremban, Negri Sembilan

A big opening for Asia's small firms

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS: Small and medium-sized enterprises have unprecedented opportunity to get into the act

AMONG the most significant developments in Asian business has been the emergence of global supply chains.

Regional foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have accelerated the development of global supply chains, forging linkages between export growth and local business development. It is also taking advantage of untouched local resources, such as low-cost labour and natural endowments, plus consumer demand in developed markets.

Further underpinning the global supply chain phenomenon in Asia have been national export-oriented development strategies, trade and investment liberalisation, integrated logistics systems and the application of advanced information and communications technology.

China, Asean and India have been Asia's major FDI recipients. As a result, global supply chains flourish throughout the region in diversified industrial sectors, including metals, energy, automobiles, semiconductors, electronic components and chemicals.

Global supply chains enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to act as suppliers of labour-intensive parts and components or to provide other basic services, largely on a subcontracting basis.

Most global supply chains are led and coordinated by a larger transnational enterprise, which controls factors such as brand recognition, technology, production assets and distribution channels.

This lead firm requires and helps SME suppliers to implement improvements in the quality of their products or services, their productivity and the upgrading of their human resources. The lead firm also ensures the consistency and reliability of the suppliers.

Recently, economists, in developing Asian countries, have observed several trends in the development of global supply chains which are particularly relevant to SMEs.

First, enterprises from emerging economies -- beyond Asia's traditional economic powerhouses of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan -- have expanded their access to the markets of regional trading partners. This is partly due to the development of various free trade and investment agreements at the regional level.

As a result, some enterprises from China, India and Asean economies have been transforming themselves into transnational corporations, in line with the national economic expansion of their home countries. This trend is supported by increasing FDI outflows from those countries to neighbouring developing countries, as with intra-Asean FDI flows.

This has helped to offset the decline in FDI flows from developed countries after the global financial crisis and has provided new opportunities for local SMEs to engage with global supply chains.

Second, and in parallel, many SME suppliers in Asian developing countries have been moving to higher value-added functions within global supply chains.

Third, mainly due to increasing labour costs, some suppliers in emerging economies such as China, Malaysia and Thailand have started transferring traditional labour-intensive operations to less-developed neighbouring countries. This is particularly evident in sectors such as garment and apparel, consumer goods, electronics, food processing and automotive parts.

Fourth, SMEs are acquiring more technology and knowledge through global supply chains from larger or more advanced partners.

As they become integrated into global supply chains and gain skills and knowledge about conducting business across borders, SMEs in Asia begin to attract more foreign investment, usually in the form of joint ventures, as with the automotive parts industry in Thailand.

The spread of global supply chains in Asia has opened opportunities for local SMEs, particularly in underdeveloped countries, to tap into larger and more efficient business networks as well as gain access to overseas markets.

In many developing countries in Asia, however, SMEs still play a limited role as they may lack the scale and necessary knowledge for entering and integrating into global supply chains. They often require a more enabling environment to help them improve their capacity.

This involves having stronger policies and regulatory frameworks, supporting infrastructures, access to financing, an entrepreneurial culture, technology incubation and business development services.

SMEs that seek to establish partnerships in global supply chains should understand the structure of a specific supply chain and, more importantly, the specific characteristics of lead firms.

If SMEs are unable initially to enter a supply chain as a supplier of higher value-adding functions, they can join at a lower-value level, where entry barriers are comparatively low, and subsequently position themselves to move up the value-adding ladder.

Policymakers can provide assistance by conducting the type of research which is beyond the resources of individual SMEs. This will help identify which sectors and products to promote and pinpoint which supply chains offer the greatest opportunity for growth.

This generally involves three steps: 1) analysing the competitiveness of the home economy; 2) selecting product sectors; and 3) ascertaining existing supply-side capacity for those sectors.

Policymakers also can increase the capacity and competitiveness of SMEs in global supply chains by reducing domestic red tape, developing infrastructure, facilitating adequate flows of finance, and improving both business and general education.

Finally, SMEs can benefit from pro bono consulting and training - and even financial support - that many lead firms offer to their suppliers to improve efficiency throughout the supply chain.

This article first appeared on www.fungglobalinstitute.org.

Phahrolrazi, Ismail reappointed

ALOR SETAR: Two more state executive council (exco) members, Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi and Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, took their oath of office today before Kedah Council of Regency chairman, Datuk Seri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah at Istana Anak Bukit, here.

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The two Pas assemblymen before this did not take the oath together with eight other exco members on Feb 28 as they had rejected their reappointment to the post, stating they could no longer tolerate the attitude of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak of refusing to accept their views.

The list of exco members issued after the ceremony shows some portfolio changes, with Datuk Mohamed Taulan Mat Rasul now the state Religious, Education, Cooperatives, Rural Development and Povery-eradication Committee chairman.
Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah is now state Industry and Investment, Housing, Works, Agriculture and Agro-Industry and Biotehnology Committee chairman, while Phahrolrazi is in charge of Local Government, Water Supply and Energy.

Dr Ismail will chair the Non-Governmental Organisations, Science and Innovation, Information Technology and Communications portfolio.

The portfolios of Datuk Dr Hamdan Mohamed Khalib, Datuk Siti Ashah Ghazali, Datuk S. Manikumar, Lim Soo Nee, Abd Ghani Ahmad and Tan Joon Long @ Tan Chow Kang, who had earlier accepted their reappointments, remain.

Hamdan is state Health, Youth and Sports, and Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman, while Abd Ghani is in charge of Information, Human Capital Development and Entrepreneur Development.

Siti Ashah remains as state Women and Family Development and Social Welfare Committee chairman and Manikar as Tourism, Indian and Siamese Community Affairs Committee chairman.

Lim still holds the state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Unity and Human Resource Management portfolio, and Tan the Environment, Chinese Community Affairs and Transport portfolio.

Azizan when met by reporters later said he hoped the reappointed two exco members and the rest could work together to take the state's administration to a higher level.

"I am happy the two (Phahrolrazi and Ismail) are back with us. In facing the upcoming general election, we will close ranks...what had been negative are all positive now," he said. - Bernama

Najib: Choose right leader to uphold Islam

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims leaders must uphold their role as leaders and of the Islamic faith, so that the Muslim leadership would gain respect and bring blessings not only to Muslims but everyone else in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak greeting participants at the national assembly of Muslim scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Afendi Mohamed

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said it was crucial to defend Islam because of all the accusations and inaccurate information about the religion on the Internet.

Muslims today, he said, were at a crossroads to choose the right leader who would defend and uphold the faith.

Najib said as a Muslim leader, his actions at religious celebrations of non-Muslims in the country were always in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

He said he followed the example set by Prophet Muhammad in showing respect towards other religions.

“I uphold my faith. I also uphold my role as a Muslim leader. We must follow the ways of the Prophet in respecting the religions of others but without failing in terms of our own faith,” he said when closing the 2012 national assembly of Muslim scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers here yesterday.

Commenting on his attendance at the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves recently, Najib said he was relieved when Perak mufti Tan Sri Dr Harussani Zakaria said his actions did not contravene Islamic laws and this was confirmed by the National Fatwa Council.

“I had explained to him (Harussani) why I was there. I did not enter the temple or participate in the religious ceremony. I also only spoke on the socio-economic issue of Indians of the Hindu faith.”  

On the opposition’s call to amend certain archaic laws which were unIslamic, Najib said the laws were not “old”, adding that  Singapore used a similar law.

Najib also called on Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers to safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam.

He said these groups should be sensitive to current developments and changes in government policies so that they would be able to disseminate information accurately and credibly.

They should cooperate among themselves  and with the government to screen all information and filter malicious accusations and slander hurled by irresponsible people.

“It is our responsibility to correct the false information.

“If we remain quiet and choose not to interfere, it would have a negative effect on the religion.

“The consensus between the groups and government will safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam.”

Najib also said in Islam, politics was jihad (struggle), which should be given priority and   cannot be separated from the struggle to uphold Islam and championing the interests of Muslims.  

“If politics is viewed through this dimension, it becomes a discipline that is closely associated with the role of man on this earth, as the caliphs of God.

“To disseminate the truth and uphold Islam, either by way of writing or speech, it should sprout from good faith and trust with truthful and accurate information that does not confuse listeners,” he said, adding it would strengthen the unity of the ummah and elevate Islam in the eyes of followers of other religions.

Najib said the information technology revolution was something that could not be dismissed, and to face the borderless cyber world, collaboration among groups was paramount so that swift action could be taken to stop the spread of false information.

SCHOOLS: Technology, the basis of education transformation

BEST EXPERIENCE: Intel supports the integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning process because it believes technology is the essential foundation of education transformation.

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The decision to allow IT devices to be brought into the classroom is merely the first step. The company's view is that other factors should also be considered and these include:

• Robust IT Infrastructure

An Internet-enabled and networked infrastructure that can scale to support a collaborative learning environment is critical.

•l Tools/solutions that deliver better "learning experiences"

Appropriate software applications, operating environments and solutions need to be in place to support optimal teaching and learning. Together, these should not only support one to one e-learning, project-based inquiry but also help the teacher to manage and create best learning experience for students. The recently launched Studybook is an example of how the company is creating devices and solutions to cater to the needs of students today.

• Formalised curriculum and syllabus

While it is beneficial to incorporate ICT into the classroom, we need to ensure that such tools can be utilised effectively. A formalised set of curriculum and syllabus, complemented with the appropriate ICT tools, must be adapted to ensure that students gain critical skills and knowledge to compete in the 21st century.

The writer is  Intel Malaysia, country manager, sales and marketing.

PERSPECTIVE: From Twiplomacy to Twidependency

 

PERVASIVE ISSUE: Getting to grips with addiction associated with the use of Information and Communications Technology

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THE influx of electronic gadgets into our lives is matched by new words and acronyms, at times coined to attract attention and as a sales pitch. The latest is "Twiplomacy"  apparently to encourage a form of competition among Twitter fans.

But there are other less well-known buzzwords too, for example "phantom-vibration syndrome" and "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). How about "iDisorder"? Or "iCrazy"-- the cover story of the Newsweek (July 16) that inspired this column?

Soon, Twidependency will read "obsessive compulsive disorder" (OCD), more commonly called "Internet-related psychosis".

To link such terms to technology was at one time sneered upon as alarmist for not being IT savvy.

Just like the glorious days of smoking tobacco, those who spoke against the newly acquired habit were frowned upon.

It took almost five decades for reality to sink in that tobacco kills. It is tragic considering the millions of lives lost in that time. It is a very high price to pay.

In the case of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), evidence indicates that all is not well. Unless we are prepared to listen more intently, modify our habits and change our perceptions, then similar "tobacco-kills" episode may come to haunt us sooner than we think.

It has been documented that, on average, a teenager processes some 3,700 texts a month, double that in 2007.

As many as 60 per cent of them reportedly felt their phones vibrate when in fact nothing was happening, leading to the "phantom-vibration syndrome".

Susan Greenfield, a renowned neuro-pharmacology professor at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, summed up the situation well. "We could create the most wonderful world for our kids but that's not going to happen if we're in denial and people sleepwalk into these technologies and end up glassy-eyed zombies."

The use of "sleepwalk" is perhaps apt to describe how little we know of what such technologies can do to us, or our brain, especially when we are unknowlingly overexposed to them.

A Stanford study of iPhone habits of 200 people cited in the Newsweek article found that one in 10 users feels "fully addicted" to his or her phone; all but six per cent of the sample admitted some level of compulsion, while three per cent would not let anyone else touch their phone!

Addiction associated with the use of ICT and mobile devices is not new. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -- a reference for psychiatrists -- will be including "Internet Addiction Disorders" as a new category in the latest edition to be released next year. Some countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea reportedly are more aware of this and are taking positive steps to check the related potential health crisis.

Peter Whybrow, the director of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at University of California, Los Angeles in the United States has argued that "the computer is like electronic cocaine"-- creating mood swings for users.

The possibility of "structural abnormalities" in the brain due to such effects can no longer be discounted.

In a book appropriately titled iDisorder (2012), author Dr Larry Rosen points to the changes to the brain's ability to process information and to relate to the world due to daily use of media and technology resulting in symptoms of psychological disorders such as stress, sleeplessness and a compulsive need to check in with the technology.

More recently, The Times of India (May 10) carried a report on cases showing clear signs of "Facebook addiction" similar to those exhibited by people hooked on drugs, alcohol and other chemical substances.

In yet another article in the prestigious journal Pediatrics, the rise of a new phenomenon called "Facebook depression" is being discussed.

In short, ICT addiction moments are fast unfolding before our eyes. We cannot ignore them anymore.

It can be worse than the use of any habit-forming substance since technology is much more pervasive, and has longer lead time given that the starting age gets even younger as society becomes more IT savvy and there is greater ease of use. It is bound to penetrate deeper into our daily lives, setting the stage for Twidependency.

Many more will be hooked for life until we get to grips with such addictive technologies. Unless we know how to resist being dependent on technology, we will be enslaved by it! These issues are far more important to consider than arguing if mobile phones should be allowed in schools.

Once we are disciplined enough to make an informed decision and are able shake off FOMO, we are at peace with ourselves, regardless of whatever gadget comes and goes.

Life goes on even without the superfluous gadget and, at most times, the quality of life is far better.

Tech key to education hub

AFFORDABLE TOOLS: Universities can supplement existing infrastructure and free up resources

MALAYSIA has set for itself an ambitious goal to become the region's premier centre for higher education, aiming to  attract 200,000 international students to its shores by 2020,  on top of its local student intake.

Success will mean that Malaysia would have been able to shake off stiff competition from neighbouring Singapore or even Indonesia, rake in billions in educational revenue and add significant depth to the country's manpower pool to ensure future growth in a knowledge-driven economy.

However, high costs of building infrastructure and the speed required to attract students and roll out curriculum effectively could pose major bottlenecks.

The price of failure will not only be lower student enrolment and insufficient skilled workers but also will deny Malaysia the opportunity to position itself as a leading global player in offering off-campus online education -- another opportunity which can have major benefits for the country.

Malaysia is already one of Asia's leading educational hubs. Strong government support, robust infrastructure, availability of good instructors conversant in English language and relatively lower costs of fees as well as student accommodation compared with the likes of Singapore, have helped both private and public educational institutes to flourish.

Encouraged by the success over recent decades, two new education hubs have been launched with strong government backing -- Iskandar Malaysia in Johor and the Kuala Lumpur Education City (KLEC).

But will the students come in the droves as expected -- from 90,000 international students currently to 200,000 by 2020? And what are the major bottlenecks which can curtail this grand plan?

International experts have often cited that Malaysia's higher education system suffers from lack of high-impact research at post-graduate level coupled with insufficient teaching experts and outdated approaches to research and training, which are often lacking in innovation.

These, together with insufficient access and linkages to the global education community, have left Malaysia producing graduates who may not adequately meet market demands. Behind these challenges lie three fundamental issues.

The first and most serious is the lack of resources. University administrators and educational authorities are over-burdened and unable to cope with the demand while ensuring quality.

In other words, there are not enough qualified people to offer qualitative work. There is a deficiency of both good student administrators as well as qualified faculty who can be enticed to come to Malaysia, teach and facilitate world-class research.

The second is that Malaysia's education system often trails Western and even Singapore and Hong Kong institutes of higher learning in terms of best practices.

Not being on par in terms of curriculum, student administration, online management and interaction with administrators as well as faculty from other institutes may mean that Malaysian colleges may lose out in winning exchange opportunities and accreditation. This in turn compromises the attractiveness of Malaysia as an education hub. Finally, even with substantial direct and indirect government support, all university administrators have to find the most cost-effective balance between achieving educational goals and reasonable tuition costs.

Large capital investments in student life-cycle management solutions have often deterred migration to the next level of competence. This sets up a vicious cycle. Failure to invest in costly on-campus infrastructure reflects ineffective administration, leading to higher costs to hire administrators, inefficiency and missed opportunities. These in turn prevent institutions from allocating resources to attract experts and conducting high-impact research, consequentially leading to lower ratings of the colleges.

Awareness through the Internet and ready availability of rankings of colleges indicate that higher education has become increasingly transparent and competitive.

Many countries once considered as laggards in offering higher education have moved up the ladder and are seeking to position themselves as education centres, with precisely the same goals as Malaysia -- increasing knowledge base, acquiring efficient workers and building an educational hub to attract talented faculty as well as securing revenue from college education.

The common denominator which can address all three problems is how quickly and effectively Malaysian educational institutions can harness technology as a major accelerator and differentiator.

By using affordable IT tools, yet being on par with global best practices, Malaysian universities can supplement existing technology infrastructure and initiatives in the country to free up resources, hire top talent, increase post-graduate research, improve teaching methods and help graduates meet the needs of the market more effectively.

Major technological advances in recent years, in particular cloud computing and virtualisation, have levelled the playing field for university administrators. Advanced solutions such as the Oracle Campus Solution (for which Mahindra Satyam will provide end-to-end solutions, hardware, application software from Oracle, implementation and ongoing management) now allow Malaysian institutions to address student life-cycle management -- from recruitment, enrolment, administration to financial information management via the affordable private cloud model.

Lower cost and speed in implementation and real-time management of administrative aspects will allow Malaysian colleges and education administrators to match best practices globally.

More importantly, it will address the resource issues so that manpower and funds can be channelled towards improving curriculum and hiring better faculty, helping the country to become a knowledge centre and position itself as the region's leading educational hub.

GTP 2.0 gives hope for Sabahans, says Jainab

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KOTA KINABALU: The second Government Transformation Programme (GTP 2.0) gives hope for the people, especially in Sabah, to improve their quality of life.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid, said there were still many areas in the state, especially in the interiors, lacking in infrastructure to enable them to get information technology (IT) facilities.

 

"Education is the only way to get the people out of the vicious circle of poverty and for that, we cannot escape the use of IT,.

 

"We hope to achieve 90 per cent accessibility to IT in Sabah by 2015 based on GTP 2.0", she told reporters after a gathering with media members here yesterday.

 

She also advised the people against using the IT knowledge to manipulate current issues, especially through social websites.

 

The people should be wise in evaluating current developments, including on efforts carried out by the government, she added. -- BERNAMA

Graphic designing for creative minds

PTPL offers ample chances to explore one's talent

At PTPL, students who study graphic design have many opportunities to expand their knowledge.

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GRAPHIC designing involves working closely with creative people in the media as well as the advertising world.

It holds special interest for those interested in communication design and visual arts. This field provides ample chance to display and explore one's creative talent.

SHAH ALAM: PTPL College offers a comprehensive Diploma in Graphic Design for those interested in a career in this field.

The field of visual communication is attracting greater public attention.

One of the advantages of this programme is that students get to learn subjects that will prepare them for the real working world by providing lots of hands-on experiences.

The subjects under the course include visual communications, typography, communication skills, advertising design, interactive multimedia and software development.

These subjects will help students understand the concepts involved in communication design, and later apply the skills in their working life.

Those who complete the course will have an opportunity to become graphic designers in companies involved in desktop publishing, advertising or media.

This 21/2-year diploma programme requires a pass in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Vokasional, with three credits in any subject, or a PTPL certificate in a relevant field with passes in all subjects.

Diploma holders can pursue higher studies at university colleges, the Management & Science University (MSU) or other institutions of higher learning.

The PTPL diploma enables students to transfer their credits to the second year of degree-level studies at MSU.

Other programmes offered by PTPL's School of Information Science & Engineering at diploma and certificate levels include electrical and electronic engineering, multimedia technology, information technology, e-commerce and computer science.

PM: Consensus between govt, scholars safeguards interests of Islam

KUALA LUMPUR: Consensus between the government and Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers serves to safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam in the country, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meets participants of national gathering of Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur. -- Bernama photo

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The prime minister said these three groups of people should be sensitive to current developments and changes in government policy so as to be able to disseminate information with accuracy and credibility.

They should cooperate among themselves and with the government to screen all information and filter malicious accusations and slander hurled by irresponsible people for their vested interests, he said.

"The consensus between the three groups and the government will serve to safeguard the interests and dignity of Islam," he said when closing a national gathering of Islamic scholars, intellectuals and virtual writers at the Putra World Trade Centre, here.

The two-day maiden gathering carried the theme "Consensus Transforms the Ummah".

Najib said the participation of the three groups is most important in the context of current challenges, whereby they can set right information on the government agenda or policies which are often manipulated for political interests.

Remaining silent or not wanting to intervene or act can result in dire consequences for Muslims and the position of Islam itself, he said.

The prime minister said that in Islam, politics is a "jihad" (struggle) which should be given priority and one that cannot be separated from the struggle to uphold Islam and champion the interests of Muslims.  

"If politics is viewed through this dimension, it becomes a discipline that is closely associated with the role of man on this earth, as the caliphs of God.

"Hence, the struggle to disseminate the truth and uphold Islam, either by way of writing or speech, should sprout from good faith and trust with truthful and accurate information that does not confuse listeners," he said.

He said that such a struggle would strengthen the unity of the ummah and elevate Islam in the eyes of followers of other religions.

Acknowledging that it is difficult to restrain the information technology revolution, Najib said it is of utmost importance to strengthen collaboration among the three groups to enable them serve as disseminators of information and as a bulwark against the social media "virus" which uses the facility to spread information for certain social and political purposes.   

He said a phenomenon arising out of the use of the social media is that an issue can become viral very quickly compared to the flying letters which were the norm at one time.  

"The IT revolution is something that we cannot dismiss. We have no option though. If we choose to shackle the country or Muslims from this development, it will be something just impossible to do.

"Therefore, in facing the borderless cyber world, collaboration among the three groups is of most importance so that we can act swiftly to stop the dissemination of false information that can reach anyone at all," he said. -- BERNAMA