17/05/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday MAY 17, 2026

All set to highlight M’sian global urban agenda

New pathway applications to open on June 30

PUTRAJAYA: Applications for students from outside the national education system to pursue studies at public institutions of higher learning will open on June 30. Higher Education Director-General Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said for this year, applications will be submitted directly to the respective universities before the process is integrated into the UPUOnline system in 2027. She said the full list of universities accepting applications under this pathway, including Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris will be announced soon. “ InsyaAllah , we will open applications directly through the universities offering these programmes beginning June 30 to enable applications to be submitted this year,” she said at a special press conference on admission pathways for students from outside the national education system to public universities here on Friday. Azlinda said applicants must possess qualifications from their respective institutions as well as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). They must obtain at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History in line with existing requirements. “All applications for admission to public universities will be processed based on the principles of meritocracy and academic qualifications, and are subject to evaluation and approval by the university senate,” she said. Every applicant would be required to undergo interviews conducted by the respective universities, similar to candidates from the mainstream education system, she said. – Bernama

Housing minister to discuss strengthening role of nation in shaping sustainable development

During the forum, Nga is scheduled to participate in the ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda where Malaysia will deliver its national statement and chair the National Statement Roundtable under its leadership role as the UN-Habitat president. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the UN-Habitat executive director, member states and stakeholders of the Habitat Agenda, to strengthen multilateral cooperation in sustainable housing and urban development. In addition to multilateral engagements, Nga is also set to meet Saudi Arabia Municipalities and Housing Minister Majed Abdullah. This highlights Malaysia’s continued commitment under Nga’s leadership to strengthening international partnerships and advancing shared priorities in sustainable urban development and resilient cities. He will also officially launch the Malaysia Pavilion during the WUF13 Urban Expo, showcasing the nation’s urban transformation initiatives, affordable housing agenda and sustainable city aspirations. The launch will also coincide with the introduction of the Asia Pacific Urban Agenda Platform, further reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment towards stronger regional collaboration on sustainable urbanisation. The ministry views WUF13 as an

will be determined by the respective university senates without any external interference. “At the university level, we already have our own requirements. “We have looked into it, and the university senate is the highest authority. They are the ones who determine the quality and standards (of admission). Azlinda further said each university has a different assessment mechanism based on the programmes offered, which may include special requirements and interviews. – Bernama important platform for Malaysia to exchange best practices, strengthen international partnerships and explore innovative urban solutions that can improve the quality of life for its people. “Malaysia believes that inclusive national development will be shaped by making our cities and communities future-fit. “Through WUF13, we look forward to working closely with global partners to build cities that are inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” said Nga. Co-hosted by UN Habitat and the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the forum serves as the United Nations’ leading global platform for sustainable urban development. With the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities”, WUF13 will concentrate on how sufficient housing, infrastructure and essential services can be provided on a large scale amid increasing challenges related to affordability, climate and urbanisation. Every edition of the forum assembles over 25,000 attendees from more than 180 nations, including heads of state, ministers, mayors, governors, investors, corporations, business groups, startups and SMEs. This distinctive ability to convene positions WUF as a vital forum where urban policy priorities, investment strategies and implementation models are developed and harmonised.

at world forum in Baku, Azerbaijan

Ű BY ANDREW SAGAYAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Johor Heritage Foundation, will be organising the International Museum Day 2026 celebration in Johor from June 23 to June 30. He added that the event would serve as a platform to strengthen the role of museums as centres for education, heritage preservation and social unity among people of diverse races, cultures and backgrounds. Aaron also said the Museum Matching Grant under Budget 2026 is to rejuvenate museum institutions by supporting the development of the museum sector. “This grant prioritises people-centric projects and programmes, focusing on permanent infrastructure development, museum digitalisation, educational spaces and museum-related programmes,” he said. – Bernama “We want to give them (candidates who have graduated from foreign education systems) a space to continue their studies. “We are inclusive. Our access to education is clearly outlined in the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint 2026 2035. We want to walk the talk and ensure that access for any target group can be achieved,” she said at a special press conference on admission pathways for graduates outside the national education system to institutions of higher learning here on Friday. Azlinda said the admission pathways into KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to strengthen its role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from today to May 22. The country will be represented by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who serves as the United Nations Habitat Assembly president. This reflects Malaysia’s growing leadership in advancing the global urban agenda. Convened by UN-Habitat, WUF13 gathers global leaders, ministers, policymakers and urban experts to discuss sustainable cities, housing resilience and inclusive urban development amid rising global challenges.

Widening varsity access not recognition of foreign systems: DG PUTRAJAYA: The decision to open admission pathways for students from foreign education systems, including the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), to public institutions of higher learning does not imply recognition of those systems, the Higher Education Ministry said. these institutions are open only to students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools and Chinese independent secondary schools. She also dismissed claims that tahfiz graduates were being used as justification to recognise other education systems such as the UEC.

Higher Education Director-General Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said the move was a government initiative to widen access to higher education across all identified levels. “We view this as an opportunity to open up access to higher education, not as recognition (of other education systems).

“We have many of these ( tahfiz) centres, and we want to provide them with space to continue their studies (at the higher level),” she said. Meanwhile, Azlinda said all admission requirements to higher learning institutions

Free entry to 19 museums tomorrow KUALA LUMPUR: All 19 museums under the Museums Malaysia Department will offer free admission to the public tomorrow in conjunction with International Museum Day 2026.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the initiative was aimed at encouraging more people, especially the younger generation, to visit museums and appreciate the nation’s history and heritage. “We also hope the public will value the role of museums as institutions of knowledge, catalysts for unity and platforms for nation-building,” he said at the Central Zone Unity Week 2026 celebration at the National Museum here yesterday. Aaron said the Museums Malaysia Department, in collaboration with the

Aaron said the initiative is to encourage the public, especially the young generation to visit museums and appreciate the nation’s history and heritage. - ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN