KUCHING: i-CATS University College Kuching recently held a seminar on two new Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) subjects, namely ‘Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation’ and ‘Philosophy and Current Issues’.
The two-day seminar on March 20 and 21 was attended by 20 lecturers from the Faculty of Multidisciplinary and Sustainability Studies together with 10 participants from public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) and private institutions of higher learning (IPTS).
Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce welcomed the participants.
“The MPU is a compulsory subject in the Malaysian Higher Education system that emphasises soft skills such as communication skills, entrepreneurship, appreciation of ethical and historical values as well as exposure to broader general knowledge.
“Through these MPU courses, students will also understand and appreciate the importance of national unity, nation-building and students’ soft skills development.
“Moreover, the MPU courses in Malaysia are consistent with the National Education Philosophy’s goals of producing students who think broadly, balance, and holistically despite debates about the importance and potential of these subjects,” i-Cats said in a statement today.
The seminar was aimed at strengthening the teaching and learning of the new MPU subjects and exposing participants to assessment techniques and technicalities related to the course.
Two speakers Associate Professor Dr Khairul Hamimah and Associate Professor Dr Hairol Anuar Mak Din were invited to exchange opinions and experiences with the lecturers.
“Furthermore, the seminar also helped MPU lecturers to gain ideas and strategies for more effective teaching while fostering positive character in developing students who are balanced and holistic in terms of physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual aspects.
“Thus, the MPU seminar became a platform to create an exposure for MPU lecturers to improve the quality of their and subsequently have a significant impact on the learning and appreciation of the course by students,” it said.
