Over 351,000 UPU Applications Recorded, JMU Assists Candidates in Making Informed Choices
SINTOK, 11 April 2026: A total of 351,012 applications have been submitted through UPU Online, comprising 238,524 applications from SPM leavers and 112,488 applications from STPM and equivalent candidates, out of a total of 379,578 PIN purchases.
In view of the encouraging response, the application deadline for SPM leavers via UPU Online has been extended until 13 April 2026, before 12 noon.
This was announced by the Director-General of Higher Education, Datuk Prof. Dr Azlinda Azman, when officiating the Northern Zone Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) Carnival 2026 at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), representing the Minister of Higher Education.
In her address, she emphasised that the carnival is not merely an annual event, but a strategic national platform aimed at broadening inclusive and comprehensive access to higher education.
“We are currently navigating an era of profound transformation driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy and green transformation.
“In such situation, accurate information and clear guidance are crucial to ensure that students are able to make informed and forward-looking decisions,” she said.
Datuk Prof. Dr Azlinda added that carnivals of this nature provide opportunities for students and parents to better understand admission requirements, explore a wide range of academic programmes, obtain information on educational financing, and engage directly with institutional representatives and academic counsellors.
She further noted that higher education continues to serve as a key driver of national development, with universities serving as centres for intellectual growth, innovation and solutions to societal challenges.
“We do not aspire to produce graduates who excel merely on paper, but individuals equipped with soft skills, leadership qualities, resilience and strong values,” she added.
The Northern Zone JMU Carnival brings together participation from 20 public universities, institutions under the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), institutions under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), as well as 35 private universities and agencies, involving a total of 66 exhibition booths.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, described the carnival as an essential platform for SPM, STPM, Matriculation, Foundation, STAM, and Diploma leavers to obtain detailed information on further education opportunities.
According to him, over 74 schools from Perak to Perlis have confirmed their participation, while nearly 57 exhibitors comprising public and private higher education institutions, along with relevant agencies, are taking part in the event.
“We expect more than 20,000 students and parents to visit this carnival. Programmes such as this help them obtain accurate and reliable information on admission requirements and academic programmes before making their decisions,” he said.
He added that a range of services is being offered throughout the carnival, including UPU consultation sessions, as well as information on sponsorship opportunities, educational loans and scholarships.
Also present were Chairman of the UUM Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Mazlan Yusoff; Director-General of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), Dr Shamsuri Abdullah; Secretary of Policy and Research Division, Ministry of Higher Education, Dr Zurina Abdul Hamid; Senior Principal Assistant Director, Academic Policy Section, Ministry of Higher Education, Ts. Rudy Adrie Idris; members of the University Board of Directors; as well as vice-chancellors and rectors of public and private universities.
