To implement 2U2i, 30 per cent of university lecturers must be well-versed in industries - Idris

Thirty per cent of public university lecturers must be well versed in industry requirements for the universities to implement the Two Universities + Two Industries (2u2i) programme.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the collaborative partnership between the universities and industries would not succeed if the lecturers were unaware of the industries' business operations.

"We foresee this 30 per cent will be achieved in the next six years after individuals in the industries join as university teaching staff or after the lecturers themselves have gained industrial work experience.

"Alternatively, the lecturers can seek between three months to a year attachment with the industries to gain experience necessary to guide students to be more proficient in their field of studies," he said.

Idris was speaking to reporters after launching the Bachelor of Accounting 2u2i programme at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) here today.

Also present were UMT vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Nor Aeini Mokhtar, Salihin Chartered Accountants founder Salihin Abang and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Ahmad Zubaidi A Latif.

UMT is the eighth university to implement the 2u2i programme aimed at offering advanced learning and practical training for students with the set up of Teaching Accountancy Firm (TAF).

Through TAF, a joint collaboration between Salihin and UMT, accounting students will undergo a two-year study at the university and two years' placement in the industry.

Meanwhile, Nor Aeini said UMT was also working with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to prepare graduates in the professional field and support them in their career development in the fields of accounting, finance and business.

"This will be an advantage for students pursuing an accounting degree in UMT and sitting for the ACCA examination papers," she said, adding that through this programme, graduates could obtain a Bachelor of Accounting degree as well as partial ACCA certificate. - BERNAMA