JOHOR is ready to support and host international education programmes to benefit its students.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said student participation in such events was important as it contributed to higher physical activity, sports and co-curriculum assessment (PAJSK) scores, improving their chances of university admission.
Aznan said many students had taken part in international events, sometimes sent by their respective schools, to gain PAJSK scores.
However, high costs limit the number of students who can attend such events.
“We hope to change that,” he said in his speech at the launch of Iskandar Puteri International Education Festival (EduFest) in Sunway City.
Aznan said the state was prepared to organise more international events to ensure equal opportunities for students.
“Instead of having only four to five students get the score, we can have thousands enjoying the same benefits.
“We are in a strategic location, being close to both Singapore and Indonesia, making it easier to secure international participation,” he added.
PAJSK scores, the standardised marking scheme for extra-curricular activities in schools under Education Ministry, are considered alongside examination results when applying for tertiary education through the Central University Admission Unit.
The five-day EduFest was organised by the state government through Johor Talent Development Council with the cooperation of Institut Dato’ Onn, state education department and other strategic partners.
Institute director Mohd Gadaffie Abd Aziz said the event was carefully planned to fulfil criteria set by Education Ministry for PAJSK.
“We have identified the key needs for developing the country’s education system, which include giving more opportunities for students to obtain certification.
“In a way, this allows us to liberalise and democratise PAJSK for all students,” he said.
Mohd Gadaffie said the institute was looking into organising more international events in the near future, such as the Johor Youth Forum.
“We are finalising the details of the forum and, if all goes well, we should be able to launch it in November,” he said.
