KIST TO OFFER SPORTS-BASED COURSES

BACHOK (Malaysia), Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The Islamic College of Science and Technology (KIST) in Kampung Kandis, here, is the first private college in South-East Asia to offer Science in Physical Exercise and Sports Science.

KIST chief executive officer, Zaidi Yusof@Jusoh said 60 students were
currently pursuing the courses at the diploma-level since it was offered in
January.

"The two courses will help the government to cater for the lack of manpower
in those areas as well as the shortage in government and private hospitals," he
told reporters after the registration of new students at the KIST office, in
this east coast town Tuesday.

The new intake saw 600 new students register for the nine diploma courses
offered which are Nursing, Medical Assistance, In Diagnostic Radiography, Health
and Fitness, Medical Lab Technology, Environmental Health, Syariah Studies,
Psychology and Computer Science.

Zaidi said the two courses would help to lessen the burden for several
chronic illnesses, especially diabetes, heart ailments, high blood pressure and
the kidney problems.

He said the courses were gaining importance as more Malaysians were affected
by the illnesses.

On the new student intake, Zaidi said four on the 600 students had been
selected to be KIST foster children and would receive a monthly allowance of
RM200. (US$1=RM3.48)

He added that poor students from eastcoast states of Kelantan and Pahang
also received free accommodation and meal as well as paid travel expenses to
return home during semester breaks.
-- BERNAMA