Latest news with #FadhlinaSidek
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
MOE guidelines for school contributions and visits by dignitaries
KUALA LUMPUR: All contributions and visits to schools under the Ministry of Education (MOE) must follow strict guidelines to maintain professionalism and student welfare, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She highlighted the importance of adhering to MOE's Circular Letter No. 3 of 2018, which governs contributions from private and non-private sectors to government and government-aided schools. 'These contributions must prioritise the safety and well-being of the school community,' she said in the Dewan Rakyat. Fadhlina was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) on procedures for organisations and elected representatives contributing to schools. She also referenced Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023, which regulates visits by dignitaries and politicians to educational institutions. 'These guidelines ensure contributions and external involvement are conducted prudently, focusing on educational benefits while upholding transparency and harmony,' she added. On curriculum alignment with market needs, Fadhlina said the MOE is enhancing graduate employability through the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026–2035. The plan emphasises AI integration and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet global demands. 'The DELIMa digital learning platform offers AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to assist teachers in lesson planning and resource creation,' she said, addressing concerns raised by Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) regarding unemployment rates in Sabah and nationwide. – Bernama
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Contributions, Visits To Schools Must Follow MOE Guidelines — Fadhlina
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- All forms of contributions or external involvement, including by dignitaries and politicians, in institutions under the Ministry of Education (MOE) must comply with existing guidelines, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said today. She said all forms of contributions or public funding must be channelled in accordance with the provisions outlined in the MOE's Circular Letter No. 3 of 2018: Guidelines on Channelling and Receiving Contributions from the Private and Non-Private Sectors to Government Schools and Government-Aided Schools under the MOE, dated March 29, 2018. 'These contributions are also meant to ensure professional interaction within educational institutions and to prioritise the safety, well-being and welfare of the school community,' she said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. She was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) regarding the procedures for organisations, such as companies, foundations, or elected representatives, to make contributions to schools. Fadhlina said any visit or involvement by dignitaries and politicians is also subject to compliance with MOE's Circular Letter No. 4 of 2023: Guidelines on Invitations or Visits by Dignitaries and Politicians to Educational Institutions under the MOE, dated Feb 21, 2023. 'These two sets of guidelines are important to ensure that contributions and external involvement are conducted prudently, with a focus on educational benefits and in line with the principles of transparency and harmony within the school ecosystem,' she said. In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Lo Su Fui (GRS-Tawau) on the assurance that the MOE would review the syllabus to align with current market needs, Fadhlina said the ministry has a system to help students choose educational and career pathways that match their qualifications and interests. 'These students are guided by counsellors and teachers, and based on their academic results and co-curricular involvement, they are able to identify suitable courses to pursue, especially after SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia),' she said. Earlier, in response to Lo's original question, Fadhlina said the MOE is strengthening efforts to improve graduate employability through the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026–2035, with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in line with current needs and global competition.
The Star
14 hours ago
- Science
- The Star
Teaching AI: Balancing technology with critical thinking skills
FOR children in the digital age, learning about artificial intelligence (AI) in the not too distant future may be as easy as 1-2-3. In Malaysia, plans are underway for schools to introduce AI into the learning curriculum. Back in March 2024, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that primary school students will be taught the basics of AI starting from 2027. 'Pupils will be introduced to AI basics in the primary school level in the new technology and digital subject. Further exploration and application of AI will continue in the same subject in secondary school, as well as in the computer science, information and communications technology, and design and technology subjects,' she said in a local report. In April this year, Fadhlina said the ministry aims to equip 10,000 schools nationwide with smartboards by 2027 as part of an effort to prepare schools for the new curriculum roll-out. She believes that smartboards can help to promote more interactive learning as well as boosting digital skills among students. In the same month, the minister also shared that selected pilot schools are using AI-powered platforms with features to 'identify early risks of dropout and offer customised remediation'. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hopes for digital technology and AI to be taught in schools, adding that it's crucial for the younger generation to start mastering future technologies from a primary level. 'These are the technologies of the future. To succeed, you must master them. That is why our universities now have AI faculties, every university has an AI unit and department, and it cuts across all disciplines. I also hope schools move quickly,' he said during an event on April 25. Global movement Schools around the world are also putting plans into motion for artificial intelligence to be a part of the classroom learning experience. Just two months ago, the United Arab Emirates announced plans to introduce AI into the public school curriculum this year. Bloomberg reported that students from kindergarten age to the 12th grade will learn about AI from a course that includes subjects on ethical awareness, foundational concepts and real-world applications. UAE daily The National reported that the AI curriculum will expose students to lessons that include designing their own AI systems and understanding command engineering with real-world scenarios. On X, UAE Prime Minister Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum said the initiative is part of the country's long-term plan to prepare its young people with advanced skills for the future. 'Our goal is to teach our children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology, enhancing their understanding of its data, algorithms, applications, risks, and its connection to society and life,' he added in a post on X on May 4. Meanwhile in Indonesia, AI and coding will reportedly be introduced as elective subjects for public schools in the country starting this year. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti said in a June 12 report that more than 50,000 schools are prepared to roll out the new subjects. He added that teachers have undergone training to deliver these subjects and the initiative is supported by academic guidelines and defined learning outcomes for students. In China, AI courses and teaching methods will be introduced into the primary and secondary school curriculum starting September. Channel News Asia cited a statement by Chinese education authorities that schools must provide at least eight hours of AI education in a year, either as standalone courses or as part of existing curriculum, such as in IT or science classes. The authorities also said that schools will incorporate AI into after-school activities, club activities and research. A Xinhua report further stated that primary school students will be introduced to AI concepts before advancing to the application of AI in learning and daily life at junior high school level. At the senior high school level, practical courses will be offered to enhance their understanding of AI application and innovation. In a separate statement, China's Ministry of Education announced the launch of a specialised AI training session for middle and primary school principals and education officials across the country. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng said there is a need to embrace AI as a 'transformative force' in education and harness its potential in enhancing the quality and accessibility of learning. He also highlighted the need to promote the use of digital platforms for AI-enabled educational development while ensuring the ethical and safe use of AI, particularly among younger students. Meanwhile, Estonia has announced that 20,000 high school students will have free access to AI-learning tools from September as part of the country's AI Leap initiative. The government has begun talks with OpenAI and Anthropic to widen the access of AI tools for students in the country. The Financial Times reported that the government is also looking into providing free laptops for students as a possible measure to address the digital divide. Education Minister Kristina Kallas said with generative AI models advancing in capabilities, exercises such as writing essays have become unnecessary. Instead, she said the focus of an AI education should be on helping students to develop critical thinking skills and evaluating the outputs of AI models. Not wanting to be left out, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 23 to look into measures focusing on bringing AI into the K-12 schools – kindergarten, primary and secondary levels – to teach foundational AI literacy and critical thinking skills. The order establishes the White House Task Force on AI Education which aims to develop a 'Presidential AI Challenge' to highlight and encourage the use of AI in the classroom. It will also be responsible for creating partnerships to provide AI education resources in schools. USA Today reported that Trump said the executive order is a big deal because 'AI seems to be where it's at' before he signed the order in the Oval Office. It also stated that the order comes as US politicians have expressed concerns over American students falling behind other nations, particularly China as technology advances and becomes a major component of the workforce. Interestingly, a separate USA Today report noted that Trump-appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has mistakenly confused AI with A1, a popular steak sauce brand in the US. While speaking at a summit on April 8, McMahon said first graders should have access to 'A1 teaching'. Limits of technology However, experts have also urged for a more careful approach to AI in education. The Association of Internet-of-Things Malaysia treasurer Pathmanathan Muniandy told Bernama that the subject of artificial intelligence at the primary school level should be introduced in a measured and systematic manner so as not to risk becoming a burden on the existing academic syllabus. 'If AI is introduced too early without proper guidance, it may lead to wastage and over-reliance. When used effectively, AI can inspire creativity and innovation at a young age,' he said. He added there is no need to create a new syllabus just on AI when it could be integrated into existing subjects like Maths and Science. 'AI education can be incorporated by focusing on safe usage, ethics and understanding both the capabilities and limitations of this technology,' he said. Similarly, digital transformation researcher at Gadjah Mada University Iradat Wirid told Kompas that the Indonesian government shouldn't rush into new AI-driven education initiatives just to appear on trend. Instead, he said that students should first be equipped with logic, ethics and digital literacy skills. He is also concerned about AI becoming tools that allow people to settle into complacency. 'Children must be encouraged to question, critique, and understand the impacts of technology,' he added.
The Star
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Call to expand Gadis initiative nationwide
KOTA KINABALU: The Citra Gadis Unggul (Gadis) programme should be expanded nationwide, making it a key agenda to nurture and empower female students in their academic pursuits, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic). She said that empowerment initiatives must begin early to unlock the full potential of young girls and shape them into holistic and outstanding individuals. 'This is one of our current priorities to raise awareness among girls about their right to quality education and their ability to pursue their dreams in life. 'Having spent years as an activist, I now champion Gadis as a vital empowerment agenda. 'Only education has the power to transform the future of our children,' she said in a Facebook post yesterday, Bernama reported. Earlier, Fadhlina attended the Gadis programme at SMK Salaping in Kota Marudu, organised in collaboration with strategic partners of the ministry. She also took part in awareness sessions focusing on reproductive health and mental well-being for students during the event.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Fadhlina pushes for nationwide GADIS programme to empower female students
KOTA KINABALU: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has urged for the nationwide expansion of the 'Citra Gadis Unggul' (GADIS) programme, highlighting its role in empowering young girls through education. She emphasised that early intervention is crucial to unlocking the potential of female students and shaping them into well-rounded individuals. 'This is one of our current raise awareness among girls about their right to quality education and their ability to pursue their dreams in life,' she said in a Facebook post. Fadhlina, a former activist, stressed the transformative power of education. 'Having spent years as an activist, I now champion GADIS as a vital empowerment agenda. Only education has the power to transform the future of our children,' she added. Earlier, she attended the GADIS programme at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Salaping in Kota Marudu, organised with the Education Ministry's strategic partners. The event included awareness sessions on reproductive health and mental well-being for students. - Bernama
