CYBERJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry will welcome suggestions from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on using public university investment guidelines for subsidiaries, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

“We welcome any suggestions from PAC, as their report findings aim to improve governance in our universities, which are subject to the audit report,” the minister said after the Sky Global apprenticeship programme offer letter handover ceremony here on Tuesday (July 16).

On Monday (July 15), the PAC urged the Higher Education Ministry to implement and apply the 2024 Investment and Financing Guidelines for Public Universities to the subsidiaries under its supervision.

PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the development and enforcement of these guidelines for all public universities are seen as beneficial.

Meanwhile, Zambry also announced that the students selected to be a part of the Sky Global apprenticeship programme in Ankara, Turkiye be waived of flight fare costs.

He said the ministry sees the programme as an important avenue for students to explore opportunities and enhance their knowledge in their related fields.

“We want to see the university's commitment and will have a discussion with them.

“This apprenticeship programme is important, so we urge each university that sends 1 to 3 students to be a part of the programme to consider covering their flight ticket costs.

“The rest (meal and accommodation) has already been covered by the Turkish Aerospace Malaysia (Tusas). I have announced it and the universities shall comply,” he said.

The Sky Global apprenticeship programme in Ankara is a one-month programme that will commence in July and September this year.

Twenty students from 10 public universities were selected to be a part of the July programme intake this year.

The programme offers hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge aerospace projects with one of the leading aerospace organisations, Turkish Aerospace.

Students selected for this programme will also have the opportunity to become a part of the hiring pool at Turkish Aerospace Malaysia (Tusas).

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/16/higher-education-minister-welcomes-pac039s-suggestions