KUALA LUMPUR: Two universities have been identified to kickoff the Gap Year programme initiated by the Higher Education Ministry beginning this September.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the two universities are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
The programme, he said, will allow undergraduates to take a year off their studies to pursue their interests, mainly in volunteering programmes and temporary industrial stints.
"For one year, students can participate in volunteerism or do jobs they are interested in.
"For the upcoming programme, we are working with the police, army, JPAM (Civil Defence Force) and the National Service programme to offer positions to these students," he said here today at the 21st Malaysian Education Summit.
Among the positions students can take up are cadet police officers, temporary army officers or JPAM officers.
"Other than giving experience to students, the programme will also help solidify unity and inculcate patriotism."
The programme is part of the ministry's efforts to produce holistic graduates, with good academic results, vast experience in the industry and love for the country.