Kuala lumpur: Students of Kolej Universiti Yayasan Pelajaran Johor (KUYPJ) described the various aids and initiatives provided by the Johor state government as the right steps in helping them face the challenges of the cost of living while also meeting their current learning needs. Financial assistance, digital facilities, and welfare support in efforts to strengthen the state's higher education agenda, including the Bangsa Johor Scholarship and Johor Student Laptop Assistance, for those eligible, Premium Maju Johor WiFi Service, IPT Registration Assistance, and Johor Child Student Incentives are provided to all students.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the efforts of the state government do not stop there, as the aspect of development is also given attention with an allocation of RM5.76 million in an effort to further enhance the infrastructure of the institution. Fifth-semester Early Childhood Education Diploma student Muhammad Alif Aiman Shahruddin, 20, said that the widespread availability of free WiFi on campus helps reduce the internet data expenses they have to bear. "For internet data, I need to pay between RM30 to RM50 a month, so with the availability of this free Wifi, it can reduce my costs and monthly data usage," he said to Bernama.
Fifth-semester Human Resource Management Diploma student Mohamad Putera Riliansah Mohd Ridzwan Syivester Gutil, 20, said that the Johor Child Student Incentive also slightly helps them in covering their daily expenses. "With the current uncertain economic situation, for outsiders, the amount of RM200 might seem small, but it is significant for us because it can somewhat cover the cost of food and drinks," he said. According to him, the assistance provided, including IPT registration, not only lightens the burden on parents but also motivates students to continue focusing on their studies.
Fourth-semester Human Resource Diploma student Shaiful Amri Shaiful Anuar, 21, said that various initiatives undertaken by the state government support their needs while ensuring student success by creating a more conducive learning environment. That approach is also said to be a catalyst in the effort to upgrade the institution to achieve university status by 2029. "I believe this transformation of KUYPJ will provide opportunities for the children of Johor to receive a quality education and produce competitive graduates," he said.
Educators describe the development allocation as a highly important strategic investment in strengthening the learning ecosystem and the development of the institution. Islamic Studies lecturer Abdul Halim Abdul Ghaffar said that infrastructure improvements simultaneously provide a more comfortable, safe, and conducive learning environment for the entire campus community. Modern facilities such as smart classrooms, practical laboratories, and sports facilities help support the overall academic, character, and well-being development of students. "At the same time, they enhance the learning experience and the institution's image as a progressive higher education centre," said Abdul Halim, who has served for 11 years.
Management lecturer Nur Syazana Samsuden, who has also served for 11 years, said that the state government's contribution to supporting quality development for students aligns with industry needs. "The industry-based learning approach implemented enables graduates to be more prepared to face the challenges of the real job market. The high employability rate of graduates also proves that KUYPJ graduates possess a level of competence and professionalism that is trusted by the industry," she said.
The Johor state government has allocated RM5.76 million for the development of KUYPJ, which includes RM3.8 million for upgrading the School of Hospitality and Tourism to ensure a conducive learning environment, including the provision of food and beverage (F and B) industry rooms and smart classrooms. A total of RM1.5 million has been allocated to strengthen digital infrastructure in supporting technology-based learning, including e-learning platforms and academic data management. Meanwhile, RM200,000 is allocated for upgrading the hall and studio, and RM263,000 for upgrading the football field, recreational facilities and complete sports infrastructure.