5.6.3 : Childcare facilities for staff and faculty
On-Campus Childcare
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) provides systematic and accessible childcare facilities, demonstrating a strong impact on fostering the participation and productivity of its staff and faculty. This commitment is realized through Tadika Ihsan and Taska Ihsan, institutions managed by the UTM Islamic Centre and strategically located within the UTM Johor Bahru campus area. This direct provision of on-site care is crucial for removing work-life conflict barriers, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Taska Ihsan is the primary facility for the youngest children, accepting children from two (2) months up to four (4) years old. Tadika Ihsan continues the educational journey for older children aged four (4) to six (6) years.
Key features that maximize the impact for UTM staff and faculty include:
- Financial and Logistical Convenience: Both facilities offer subsidized monthly fees for UTM staff (and students), providing an affordable alternative to external care. Furthermore, the campus location and operational hours (as late as 5:30 PM on most weekdays) allow staff to easily manage drop-off and pick-up alongside their professional commitments.
- Safety and Focus: The presence of these facilities within the campus and their operational model directly "help parents to be more focused during working hours" and reduce anxiety related to commuting and child management. The facilities are managed with a focus on safety, learning, health, and cleanliness ("mesra kanak-kanak" or child-friendly premises).
By embedding high-quality, convenient, and affordable early childhood care directly into the workplace infrastructure, UTM ensures that family responsibilities do not hinder the recruitment, retention, or professional focus of its academic and administrative personnel, creating a truly inclusive and supportive working environment.
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