17/05/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday MAY 17, 2026

New initiatives announced to empower teachers

KUALA LUMPUR: Cabinet ministers yesterday extended Teachers’ Day greetings to educators nationwide, describing them as the backbone in nurturing a knowledgeable and competitive generation ready to face the challenges of a changing world. In Facebook posts in conjunction with Teachers’ Day, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the role of teachers is no longer confined to the classroom, but has also evolved in tandem with the digital landscape and artificial intelligence (AI). “From chalk on blackboards to today’s digital and AI-driven landscape, teachers have continually adapted to ensure our children keep up with the pace of change.” Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said this year’s theme reflects the significant role of teachers as key drivers in shaping character. “Through their guidance, the younger generation has become more aware of the importance of protecting the environment and appreciating the nation’s natural resources. The green awareness instilled in classrooms today will help safeguard environmental sustainability for future generations.” Arthur expressed appreciation to teachers serving in rural and remote areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak, whom he described as making immense sacrifices to ensure no child is left behind. “Your sacrifices in traversing difficult terrain, crossing rivers and living far from urban amenities to ensure children are not left behind represent a noble mission.” Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the service and sacrifices of teachers form the foundation for producing competitive and principled generations. – Bernama Ministers express gratitude King and Queen laud teaching profession KUALA LUMPUR: Their Majesties the King and Queen of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah extended Teachers’ Day greetings to educators in the country in appreciation of their contributions and sacrifices in educating the nation’s children. In a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, they expressed appreciation to teachers, who serve as a vital pillar in shaping driven, well-informed and well-mannered generations for the nation’s future. “Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah express appreciation for the sacrifices, patience and dedication of teachers in imparting knowledge and instilling noble values in the younger generation.” They also expressed hope that the welfare of educators would continue to be strengthened to ensure the teaching profession remains respected and capable of producing outstanding Malaysians. – Bernama

IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said educators need to be big-hearted in accepting challenges and criticism positively, especially regarding shortcomings and problems involving students. He said education cannot be separated from being linked to personality, character or humanity, and any problems that arise are often linked to schools until they sometimes burden educators. “Social problems certainly affect children in schools and cause commotion. “But I hope teachers see this IPOH: The Education Ministry has announced 12 initiatives to empower and strengthen the role of teachers in conjunction with the 55th national-level Teachers’ Day celebration this year. The Google Certified Educator (GCE) Level One and Level Two certification courses would continue to be offered free of charge to all teachers to support their professional development in digital literacy, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She also said the ministry would offer a special Federal Training Award to teachers serving in schools in hardship areas, including hospital classes, floating schools and rural schools in P1, P2 and P3 areas. “They will be chosen to pursue master’s and PhD programmes to ensure our aspirations are achieved while their studies help them to continue contributing to the profession.” She was speaking at the celebration themed “Guru Bitara Nadi Negara” (Teacher Champions, The Nation’s Pulse), officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Federal Training Award offers educators serving in hardship areas opportunity to further studies

Anwar presenting the National Teacher Award to Abdul Rasid Bakar during the celebration yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

She said the manual co curricular recording system would be abolished, with schools given the autonomy to manage co-curricular records based on their respective needs and creativity before entering students’ information into the Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Activity Assessment system. Meanwhile, RM10.5 million has been allocated to provide additional reading materials for all 10,515 preschool classes nationwide through the Preschool Reading Culture Empowerment Programme. separated from human values, morals and social concerns. Anwar also shared a personal story about his close relationship with his former teacher and former Education director-general, the late Tan Sri Rahman Arshad, as a symbol of the high respect a student has for teachers. At the ceremony, he presented the Best School in the World award to Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 11(1), the National Education Leadership Award to Dr Ahmad Rafee Che Kassim and the National Teacher Award to Abdul Rasid Bakar. – Bernama

hardship conditions.” She also said RM169 million has been allocated to provide devices to schools to further strengthen co-curricular activities next year and ensure the smooth integration of technology in teaching and learning. Fadhlina announced an extra RM100 million allocation for the maintenance and upgrading of teachers’ rooms nationwide, while RM50 million has been set aside for the maintenance of teachers’ quarters to provide more comfortable and conducive living conditions.

here yesterday. Fadhlina that the ministry is addressing demographic challenges faced by teachers in conducting online classes through the introduction of the Network Offline Digital Environment, aimed at ensuring digital learning can continue even without internet access, Bernama reported. “The ministry, through sponsorship by the Tun Hussein Onn Teacher Foundation, has allocated RM1 million to boost its implementation in rural and island schools operating under added

Educators must positively face criticism: Anwar positively. That is why if you are burdened with unfair criticism, I hope teachers would accept it well to raise up and ensure the next generation is much better than us.” framework that not only focuses on economic and technological progress, but also maintains its identity and noble values.

“If we look at other countries, they have their education policies and are evaluated from time to time. But in Malaysia, in this Madani country, there is something different. We do not want to be left behind in terms of new technology. Children must be prepared for current needs.” He emphasised the concept of “Excellence Without a Soul” by noting that academic intelligence alone is not enough if it is

He was speaking at the launch of the 55th national Teachers’ Day celebration at Casuarina Hotel here yesterday, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. Anwar said the Education Ministry is preparing an education

Scheme to support women entrepreneurs launched IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday

their ability to borrow and repay loans. Why? Because women are resilient, capable, and possess strong values and character. “When you take a loan, there is an agreement that must be honoured. This is a principle in the Quran and they understand their responsibility.” – Bernama

“We recently celebrated Women’s Day. Who are women? They are our mothers, our wives, daughters and sisters. When we understand this, we realise that there has not been a major programme specifically for women. “Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia encourages women to prove

and above with a monthly household income of less than RM5,880 or a per capita income of RM1,470. Anwar expressed pride in the high level of discipline shown by women, particularly in repaying their loans, based on Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s repayment track record.

launched the Paduri Madani Scheme under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, aimed at empowering women, particularly those in the B40 group, via entrepreneurship. The initiative targets 29,000 new women entrepreneurs and is open to Malaysians aged 18