By Vinoothene Chandrasekaran
Pix Ikhwan Hashim

BANGI, 28 MAC 2016 – The National University of Malaysia (UKM) is not only equipping students for job skills, but is also preparing Malaysia as an ageing country by the year 2035, says Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Industry and Community Partnership) Prof Datuk Dr Imran Ho Abdullah.

UKM through the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK) will prepare students to use their skills in the welfare services industry, which is becoming ever more important, he said.

He explained the School of Psychology and Human Development at FSSK is working together with the Human Resources and Women, Family and Community Development ministries to train undergraduates in social services, particularly for  senior citizens.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UKM, which he represented,  with the Welfare Services Department and (JKM) and Skills Development Department (JPK), for the partnership here recently.

About 30 participants of this programme are studying social work and will start their practical assessment this coming third semester of the 2015/2016 session.

“Statistic Departments have found that 8% of 31 million people of Malaysia consist of senior citizens. Malaysia will be known as an aging country when the percentage level hits 15% and this is estimated to happen in the year 2035 where 15% of 37 million people in that year will be senior citizens,” said Datuk Dr  Pang Chau Leong, Director-General of JPK.

Dr Pang noted that the welfare services sector for senior citizens is a rising sun industry which has promising potential and also the right choice for students who have the right skills.

“From this, students not only can make money but stand a chance in being an entrepreneur one day,” he added.