PM gives TARC courses retrospective recognition

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Over 70 diploma and further diploma courses offered by Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) have been given retrospective recognition by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA), Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today.

“As of immediately, the government is giving retrospective recognition to more than 70 diploma and further diploma courses to all TAR colleges nationwide,” the prime minister announced today in his address during the Innovating Malaysia Tour 2012 and strategic collaborative agreement signing at the Tunku Abdul Rahman campus here.

“This means all TARC graduates will receive recognition from JPA (civil service department),” he added to loud cheers and applause from the audience.

Najib (picture) explained the courses were not recognised previously due to “technical difficulties” in MQA.

He added the recognition will bring positive implications to “all those involved, especially towards to country”.

“TARC graduates can now play a bigger and more effective role in building a desired future,” he said.

“I believe all TARC graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to develop the country into a better nation,” he added.

Najib said the collaboration involving academic institutions, industries, the government and the Malaysian public — which he termed the Quadruple Helix — was important in bringing the nation towards innovation.

He added the united effort would also contribute significantly to increasing the country’s wealth and transforming Malaysia into a developed nation.

“In order for Malaysia to be a fully developed nation by 2020, innovation is crucial,” he said.

“Innovation is the final product of knowledge and skill, two important components for us to develop and compete in the 21st century.

“The knowledge and skills attained from academic institutions will deter us from the ‘middle-income trap’.”