NINE UKKM STUDENTS SELECTED TO CONTINUE PHD STUDIES

PETALING JAYA, April 18 (Bernama) -- Nine Universiti Keusahawanan dan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM) students have received offers to pursue Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in entrepreneurship, a programme introduced for the first time by the university.

Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the PhD programme, which is a pioneering project handled by Institut Koperasi Malaysia (IKMA), will produce graduates capable of developing the cooperative industry in Malaysia and contributing to the national economy.

"Cooperatives are not small activities or organisations. As we know, in Malaysia alone, there are more than 15,000 cooperatives with over 7 million members.

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"So, cooperatives are important for Malaysia, especially for those who work and run their own businesses. Therefore, we hope that the upcoming PhD graduates can contribute to the advancement of cooperatives in Malaysia," he said at IKMA's Aidilfitri Open House here today.

Also present were IKMA Director-General Datuk Mohd Ali Mansor and UKKM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Azali Mohamed.

Meanwhile, Azali said the PhD programme offered combines academic learning with practical aspects to ensure that more quality graduates can be produced.

"I believe that the cooperative sector in Malaysia needs researchers with expertise in the field of cooperatives to advance the cooperative sector in Malaysia," he said.

All the selected individuals are from the first group of students since the university began operating in March 2023.

Additionally, offer letters were also given to 17 students who will continue their Master's degree studies, and contributions were made to orphaned children invited to enliven the event.

--BERNAMA