Budget 2010 roundup

Budget 2010  is finally out and (predictably), a yawn-fest for many sectors who had been waiting with bated breath. I can't say I'm surprised, given the government's escalating belt-tightening. But hey, that's the scenario with nearly all governments trying to keep their economies afloat in the still-bleak global investment climate. Nevertheless, there are noteworthy "goodies" for those in the education and research community:

For R&D efforts:

- Rationalising all research funds and grants to be more effective to achieve set targets

-A National Innovation Centre supported by a network of innovation excellence centres under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry

- Integrating R&D activities with patents, copyrights and trademarks registration to ensure R&D&C processes are implemented more effectively.

- Providing small and medium enterprises with tax deduction on expenses incurred in the registration of patents and trademarks in the country.

For schools:

-The government will allocate RM30 billion for primary and secondary education-includes emoluments (RM19 billion), RM2.8 billion for student assistance and scholarship programme, RM1.6 billion for the construction of 80 new schools as well as 1,100 additional blocks and 347 school replacement projects.

-In addition, a sum of RM1.1 billion is provided to refurbish and upgrade schools nationwide, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

-National Key Result Areas (NKRA) with focus on widening access to quality and affordable education. It aims to ensure the rakyat receives the best education, from foundation to the highest level. For this, focus will be given on four NKRA sub-components, namely:
• Strengthening pre-school education — The government will incorporate pre-school education as part of the mainstream national education system. To date, the participation rate of children 22 between 5 and 6 years old in government and private pre-schools is at 67 per cent. The government aspires to increase the participation rate to 87 per cent by 2012.

To achieve this, all pre-school facilities and curriculum under Kemas and other agencies will be revamped, in line with the policy and standards stipulated by the Ministry of Education Ministry. Private pre-schools are also given the opportunity to participate in this initiative. In addition, the government will establish centralised preschools in existing school premises as well as provide training and courses to government and private pre-school teachers. For this, an allocation of RM48 million will be provided in 2010.

-Increasing literacy and numeracy rate — A number of normal school-going children in primary schools are yet to be proficient in basic literacy and numeracy skills. The government aims to ensure that 100 per cent of all normal school children will master basic literacy and numeracy after three years of schooling. Among the programmes that will be implemented include provision of special modules for students and teachers, student screening according to capabilities as well as special training programmes for teachers. This measure will commence in 2010, involving all Year 1 schoolchildren with an allocation of RM32 million.

- Creating high performance schools — The government will classify identified schools as high performance schools (SBT). SBT will focus on academic excellence, overall students’ achievements, including discipline and cleanliness, curriculum activities as well as competency in schools’ specialisation areas. The government targets 20 schools to be recognised as SBT in 2010 with an allocation of RM20 million.

-For excellent performing schools, the government will introduce the New Deal or Bai’ah as an appreciation of the contribution and performance of principals and head teachers. The government will determine the performance targets that must be achieved, as agreed by principals and head teachers. If the targets are achieved, rewards in the form of monetary and non-monetary incentives, as well as autonomy in school administration will be accorded. However, for those who fail to meet the targets for two consecutive years, necessary action will be taken.

For students, the government will

-Award National Scholarships to 30 crème de la crème students strictly based on merit. These scholarship recipients will further their education in world renowned universities

- Convert the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans to scholarships for students who graduate with first class honours degree or equivalent, beginning 2010

- Provide a 50 per cent discount on fares for long-distance services of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to students aged 13 and above. A complimentary 1Malaysia student discount card can be obtained from KTMB. This discount will commence Jan 1, 2010

- Offer a Netbook package, including free broadband service, to university students for RM50 per month for two years. This package is cheaper than the current market price. Priority will be given to first year students and those from low-income families. For a start, this package will be offered by Telekom Malaysia to 100,000 local university students, effective Jan 1, 2010.

For public higher education institutions

-The government will consider granting IPTA greater autonomy in managing finance, human resources, administration, student intake and income generation. With greater autonomy, for example, Ipta will be allowed to establish subsidiaries to generate revenue. To achieve this objective, the government will consider relaxing rules and regulations, which hinder IPTA from generating their own income.