UEC can strengthen nation’s education system — SPA

KUCHING (Dec 16): The Sarawak Patriot Association (SPA) has called upon the federal government to officially recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), describing it as ‘a strategic national imperative that can strengthen Malaysia’s education system, its economy and also social cohesion.

In a statement, SPA chairman Datuk Lau Pang Heng said recognising the UEC was not merely an educational concession, but a forward-looking national strategy that could address Malaysia’s immediate human capital needs, align the country with global academic practices, and promote inclusivity.

“It will enhance national talent development, evaluate Malaysia’s international standing, foster social cohesion, stimulate economic growth, and reinforce political trust,” he said on Tuesday.

Lau highlighted the absence of UEC recognition as having contributed to a ‘brain drain’, as multilingual and high-achieving graduates often pursued higher education and employment overseas.

“Official recognition would allow UEC holders direct access to public universities and the civil service, retaining local talents while easing financial burdens on students currently paying higher tuition fees abroad or at private institutions,” he added, also emphasising that the UEC is recognised by thousands of reputable universities worldwide, including institutions in the US, the UK, Australia, and across Asia.

Lau also addressed the concerns surrounding the national language Bahasa Malaysia, citing Dong Zong’s statistics that 97 per cent of UEC graduates passed that subject at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level.

“The recognition of the UEC would not compromise national language standards; I would even suggest the implementation of a ‘Test of Bahasa Malaysia Proficiency’ for overseas students seeking higher education in Malaysia to ensure language competency,” he added.