Latest news with #NationalTeachers'Day2025
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 106,000 apply for TVET programmes via UP_TVET platform, says DPM Zahid
Ahmad Zahid fields questions from the reporters during the press conference at BCCK. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 16): More than 106,000 applications have been received for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes via the centralized UP_TVET platform since its launch a month and a half ago, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid said the overwhelming response is a strong indicator of rising interest among students in technical education pathways. 'Up until the end of last month, we recorded around 94,153 applicants through the UP_TVET portal. Additionally, there were 12,173 more who applied for flexi TVET programmes, bringing the total to over 106,000 applicants in just a month and a half,' he told a press conference at the National Teachers' Day 2025 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. He attributed this encouraging trend to the Education Ministry's efforts in reforming the education ecosystem to place greater emphasis on TVET and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) streams. He also noted that many applicants came from vocational colleges under the ministry. 'This is a significant achievement and shows that our awareness campaigns are not only reaching parents but also resonating strongly with students themselves,' he said, citing third-party validation showing that TVET graduates are earning salaries above the minimum wage and are highly sought-after in the job market. Ahmad Zahid stressed that the government's push to expand technical education aligns with rising foreign and domestic direct investments in the country, especially in high-tech sectors that require a skilled workforce. 'Our nation's increasing FDI under the Madani government, along with growing domestic investments, has amplified the need for technically trained workers. TVET is key to meeting this demand,' he added. He thanked the Education Ministry for its commitment to evolving the national education framework and commended Minister Fadhlina Sidek, her deputies, and all educators for their roles in driving this transformation. He also voiced support for ongoing education reforms, including efforts to increase STEM participation and the introduction of initiatives such as the appointment of teacher assistants (MyPG) to reduce non-teaching duties. 'I strongly support the Education Ministry's efforts and will advocate for additional allocations to ensure our teachers are empowered and recognised,' he concluded. ahmad zahid hamidi application TVET
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DPM Zahid: Allow teachers to return to primary role as educators by overhauling workload
Ahmad Zahid delivers his speech at the event. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 16): The workload of teachers must undergo a comprehensive overhaul to enable them to return to their primary role as educators, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister cited this as among five key directions to rebuild Malaysia's education ecosystem. 'Teachers must be return to their original roles. Use artificial intelligence (AI) and automation wisely to minimise routine tasks and optimise teachers' precious time with their students,' Ahmad Zahid said in his keynote address at the National Teachers' Day 2025 celebration here today. He emphasised that meaningful education reform must be grounded in a long-term vision and guided by teachers. 'The national education direction must be constantly refreshed. We cannot be content with current achievements. The education system must continue to evolve to ensure that every Malaysian child receives an education that is relevant, balanced, and meaningful. 'The government is committed to driving change that is not merely reactive, but anchored in a long-term vision. We are taking strategic steps, building the ecosystem, and implementing plans to ensure our education future remains resilient in the face of changing times,' he said. He stressed that priority must be given to ensure inclusive and equitable change. With a record RM64.1 billion allocated under Budget 2025 — the highest in Malaysia's history — he pointed out the funding must not remain as figures on paper but must reach the schools, teachers, and students who need it most. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding the welfare of all educators, including those often overlooked such as Kafa (Al-Quran and Fardhu Ain Class) teachers, tahfiz instructors, educators with disabilities, and special education teachers. These groups frequently go beyond their basic duties yet are too often left out of recognition and support systems, he said. He also called for digital transformation to be accelerated in a fair and balanced manner. The Deputy Prime Minister said digital literacy among both teachers and students must be strengthened, and all teachers should be equipped to integrate technology in their teaching, while students must be guided to become ethical and proficient digital users. He stressed it is also vital to establish a meaningful and sustained recognition system for teachers, which should not be limited to ceremonial events such as Teachers' Day, but built into the public service system. Teachers in rural areas, special needs educators, and those who develop their own innovative teaching materials deserve acknowledgement and reward for their contributions, he said. 'I want to see more teachers like Cikgu Sydney Engelbert from Keningau, who brought pride to Malaysia by winning the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award. 'I want more teachers like Cikgu Nazmi, a finalist of the Global Teacher Prize. More like Nurhayatul, recipient of the Asia Education Award, and Cikgu Siti Zaitun Khazali, who teaches special needs children to read the Quran — let their struggles not be in vain, let them not remain unheard on the margins of the system,' he added. ahmad zahid hamidi lead teacher workload
