Education Minister Maszlee Malik today encouraged students with good examination results to apply for entry into Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG).
He noted that these IPGs are facing a shortfall in intake, with most students opting for the matriculation programme.
"We encourage excellent students who are interested in teaching to apply (for IPGs), particularly for Mandarin and Tamil language (teachers).
"Everyone chooses to join matriculation, but IPGs are facing a decline (in intake)," he said during a buka puasa event with the press at Hotel Marina in Putrajaya this evening.
According to Maszlee, the target of 6,000 teacher trainees has yet to be met. A total of 5,200 offer letters have been sent out, he said, but the final number of those who accepted has yet to be tabulated.
The minister also noted that many students gravitate towards more popular courses like medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, law and accountancy, although other courses could lead to more employment opportunities.
Science courses like biotechnology and nanotechnology, he said, are not as well received.
"In reality, these courses offer even better opportunities," he said.
"Even data analysis (courses) do, but are not well received, as many are attracted to traditional courses.
"So when students can't get (the courses they want), everyone gets angry, and as usual, I become the victim."
Maszlee said his ministry is working to find ways to encourage more students to take up courses that are not only relevant to the needs of industry, but also ensure a promising future.
On a separate matter, Maszlee expressed sadness at the passing of academic Khoo Kay Kim.
He noted that Khoo was among the historians who provided fair assessments of sensitive incidents, such as the May 13, 1969 riots.
"He is someone who was able to give a detailed and fair picture of the issue," he said.
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