Latest news with #Iqra
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
MB: Kemas to serve as launchpad for Bangsa Johor pilot schools
KLUANG: Johor has begun aligning Kemas preschools as feeder institutions for the state's flagship Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), a move that marks a major shift in early childhood education. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the alignment will involve curriculum coordination, particularly the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) elements. "This transformation will elevate Johor's preschool education to a more competitive and future-ready level," he said after the Kemas Johor 2025 Madani Community Empowerment Programme launch at Dewan Muafakat in Simpang Renggam here yesterday (June 3). More than 1,500 Kemas EMAS personnel from across the state attended the event. The Bangsa Johor pilot school initiative, launched in 2022, aims to create a holistic and identity-driven education system tailored for Johor students. SRBJ schools emphasise unity, academic excellence and values-based learning rooted in local identity. To support the integration effort, the Johor government allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade Kemas-operated preschools and kindergartens, with another RM1.8 million channelled into the Iqra' and Fardu Ain programme to strengthen religious education. Onn Hafiz also presented the Kemas Outstanding Educator Award to two long-serving educators for their contribution to early childhood development in the state. "Johor remains committed to shaping a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also rooted in values," he said. Kemas preschools are part of the early childhood education programme offered by the Community Development Department in the country. They provide early education for children aged 4 to 6 years, preparing them for primary school, and fostering social and communication skills. Kemas also operates nurseries for children aged 2 to 4.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Johor allocates RM1.5 million to upgrade KEMAS kindergartens, childcare centres
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade tabika (kindergartens) and taska (childcare centres) under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), in a move to strengthen early childhood education in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government has also allocated RM1.8 million in basic religious allocation for the Iqra' and Fardu Ain (IQFA) programmes. He added that KEMAS kindergartens are now being positioned as feeder institutions for Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ). 'However, this requires curriculum harmonisation, including elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - a transformation that will elevate Johor's preschool education to a higher and more competitive level,' he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, in another development, Onn Hafiz said the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) in Renggam, Kluang, is currently undergoing active development. 'I had the opportunity to review the development of TMIYC Renggam and engage with representatives from youth groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local sports activists. 'This youth centre is being actively developed in line with the aspirations of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to ensure that every district has facilities that serve as spaces for building the character, leadership, and potential of Johor's youth,' he said, adding that so far, three TMIYCs are already in operation in the state.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
RM1.5m allocation to upgrade KEMAS kindergartens, childcare centres
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government has allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade tabika (kindergartens) and taska (childcare centres) under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), in a move to strengthen early childhood education in the state. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government has also allocated RM1.8 million in basic religious allocation for the Iqra' and Fardu Ain (IQFA) programmes. He added that KEMAS kindergartens are now being positioned as feeder institutions for Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ). 'However, this requires curriculum harmonisation, including elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) - a transformation that will elevate Johor's preschool education to a higher and more competitive level,' he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, in another development, Onn Hafiz said the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) in Renggam, Kluang, is currently undergoing active development. 'I had the opportunity to review the development of TMIYC Renggam and engage with representatives from youth groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local sports activists. 'This youth centre is being actively developed in line with the aspirations of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to ensure that every district has facilities that serve as spaces for building the character, leadership, and potential of Johor's youth,' he said, adding that so far, three TMIYCs are already in operation in the state.
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Iqra Aziz's dandelion days
Iqra Aziz is out of office, and straight into our hearts, with her Monday morning photo dump that screams fresh air, family time, and fashionably wholesome mom energy. The actor is vacationing somewhere in the dreamy northern areas of Pakistan, and if her Instagram carousel is anything to go by, she's soaking up the views, the stillness, and a whole lot of joy with husband Yasir Hussain and their toddler son, Kabir Hussain. The dump kicks off with the actor looking up at the sky and then with a swoon-worthy couple shot, Iqra and Yasir pose against a backdrop of lush green hills, looking like a postcard you'd want to frame. Iqra, ever the cool mom, can be seen sporting a straight long bob that's effortlessly chic, paired with a grey Rastah hoodie that nods to streetwear done right, even while trekking. One shot shows her mid-run with her son on a low-impact trek, both of them looking gleeful as they dash across the terrain. Another tender moment captures Yasir helping their little one blow a dandelion, tiny hands, soft smiles, and a whole lot of father-son bonding. Iqra also slips in some solo moments: her standing at the edge of a valley, the mountains behind her; another where she is the view, gazing out into the wilderness, lost in thought. Time and again, the star has not only exemplified raising a healthy family but spoken up for it. Earlier this month, Iqra made headlines for speaking out against a viral video showing a father slapping his child in public. Sharing the clip on her Instagram Story, she condemned corporal punishment and urged desi parents to break cycles of violence. "He's younger than you, vulnerable and experiencing things differently," she wrote, a reminder that parenting with empathy matters, both online and off.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
The rise of artisanal fashion in Kashmir: Craft, culture, and community
As the global fashion industry pivots toward sustainability, artisanal revival, and ethical supply chains, Kashmir—often spoken of in terms of its conflict—emerges as a fertile ground for a quieter, more powerful revolution: the regeneration of indigenous craftsmanship through women-led entrepreneurship. In a region historically known for its Pashmina wool, Tilla embroidery, and Pherans, Iqra's story represents not just a personal pivot from academia to design but the broader transformation of Kashmir's craft ecosystem into an entrepreneurial engine with social, cultural, and economic Today spoke with Iqra Ahmad, founder of Tul Palav, a luxury fashion label from Srinagar, to get more insights on WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN CULTURAL ECONOMIESThere is growing attention to the role of fashion and craft enterprises in facilitating women's economic inclusion, especially in regions with limited formal employment avenues. Industry models that focus on mentorship, peer learning, and internships help equip the next generation of women with the skills needed to lead and innovate within the sector. Strategic collaborations with institutions offering formal design education have also contributed to a more skilled local workforce and fostered entrepreneurship amongst rural fashion becomes increasingly globalized, maintaining the integrity of regional craft traditions presents a critical challenge. Design philosophies that centre authenticity, rather than fusion, seek to highlight traditional forms in their original context. Reviving lesser-known or endangered craft techniques and embedding them within culturally rooted narratives helps preserve the intangible heritage while aligning with international standards of artisanal OF THE DESIGNGlobal interest in regional craftsmanship has provided crucial validation and direction for many cultural enterprises. Diaspora engagement often serves as the initial bridge to international recognition, which then expands to broader markets. Exposure to global audiences has encouraged the refinement of techniques and narratives while also reinforcing the value of cultural specificity in design. Such feedback loops are instrumental in shaping a design philosophy that is both rooted and communities often play a critical role in amplifying regional crafts and cultural enterprises on the international stage. Their dual familiarity with local traditions and global contexts makes them powerful advocates for indigenous art forms. In the case of Kashmir, diaspora-led cultural events and festivals abroad have helped spotlight traditional garments and craft techniques, fostering global recognition. This dynamic not only bridges cultural gaps but also enables craft-led brands to connect with wider, more diverse audiences. Such organic networks offer alternative routes to global markets, beyond conventional fashion
