Latest news with #RasammahBhupalan
The Star
22-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Rasammah Bhupalan: A life of service
Datuk Dr Rasammah Bhupalan, Malaysia's distinguished educationist, prominent women leader and social activist, died on May 13, 2025, aged 98. Born on May 1, 1927 in Ipoh, Perak, she was the youngest child of educationist parents, who instilled in her the belief that the primary role of teachers was to mould the country's future generations. During her early teens, in 1942, Rasammah witnessed the sudden collapse of British colonial rule of Malaya following the unexpected defeat of the British Army by a formidable Japanese Imperial Army. Anti-British sentiments among diaspora Indians in the region to free India from British rule, led to the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) under nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose, who established a women's wing in 1943 – the Rani of Jansi Regiment (RJR). At 16, Rasammah joined the RJR and rapidly imbibed vital leadership skills and self-discipline that stood her in good stead throughout her later professional life. On completion of her education at the Methodist Girls' School, Ipoh in 1949, Rasammah gained entry to University of Malaya, then in Singapore, on a Federal Government Teaching Scholarship and graduated with a BA Honours (Second Class Upper) Degree in History. In 1952, she married Dr Frank Bhupalan, a consultant anaesthesiologist. Education service Her obvious career choice was to follow in the footsteps of her parents, and she too embarked upon a philosophy of combating parochialism and achieving 'unity in diversity' through her educational career. Rasammah's career as a teacher, administrator and innovative educator spanned a period of more than half a century. Her life-long objective was to strive to take school education to new heights. Serving as an education officer in several prestigious secondary schools under dedicated, experienced educators was an enriching experience. In 1965, she assumed the headship of the Methodist Girls' School in Klang and subsequently, was appointed principal of the country's most prestigious Methodist Girls' School in Kuala Lumpur, a position she held for 13 years. To be effective, she believed the country's public education system needed to provide solid academic instruction and develop well-rounded students and 'creative thinkers'. A noble commitment of Rasammah towards disadvantaged poor children with often weaker education backgrounds, was to give special attention to improve their academic standards and narrow the achievement gap. She engaged the more experienced teachers to teach academically weaker students. She encouraged active participation in extracurricular programmes, ardently believing they provide pupils a rounded education. Hence, she spared no efforts to ensure that schools provided the essential facilities for co-curricular activities. As a strong advocate of parents playing a positive role in their children's education, Rasammah actively promoted Parents Teachers' Associations in all schools she taught and administered; they were instrumental in raising substantial funds from the community to build excellent infrastructure and learning facilities. Retirement: Continued education and community service On retirement from the education service in 1982, Rasammah became the founder principal of Methodist High School in KL which was later elevated to Methodist College. As a non-profit private institution providing A-Level classes, she geared the college towards educational excellence. Many of their high achieving students gained admission into world-class universities including Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics in Brtiain and Stanford University in the United States. During her ten-year tenure as Principal, she placed the College on the education map: A crowning achievement among her many contributions as a teacher and principal. In 1998, her untiring efforts to raise funds culminated in the establishment of the innovative YWCA's Vocational Training Opportunity Centre (VTOC) in Kuala Lumpur. The VTOC's main objective was to train disadvantaged young girls and women from West and East Malaysia including the Orang Asli community, irrespective of ethnicity or religion, in income-generating vocational skills including tailoring, culinary/bakery and early childhood education. Prof Wang Gungwu, in his foreword to Rasammah's biography, highlighted one of her most distinguishing features 'is her devotion to what her parents stood for, the cause of education in the enhancement of the human spirit. 'This is the key symbol of what Malaysia as a country stands for in the world and her contributions here will long be appreciated for upholding that position unswervingly.' Champion for gender equality Though women teachers increasingly dominated the profession, they were discriminated both in terms of pay and service conditions. For Rasammah, this gender inequality was both an anomaly and injustice. The harsh truth, for her, was that the National Joint Council for Teachers' (NJCT) negotiations with the government 'had been a complete failure in addressing the question of equal pay and other anomalies affecting women teachers'. The Women Teachers Union was thus established in 1960 to address the issue of equal pay, with Rasammah as Pro-tem Chairperson. Rasammah, as president of the Women Teachers' Union, persisted with the struggle for 'Equal Pay for Equal Work' through mass rallies in 1962, 1963 and 1964. Finally, after a protracted battle, the government led by Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in July 1969, agreed to award equal pay for women. This battle for equal pay had not only united working women but further strengthened their role in the country's social and economic development through the formation of the National Council of Women's Organisations (NCWO). In their book, Empowering Women In Malaysia: The Mission Continues-The History of the NCWO, Adibah Amin and Farida J. Ibrahim acknowledged the vital role of the Women Teachers' Union in the inception of the NCWO. When then Education Minister Abdul Rahman Talib called for a single Teachers' Union to be formed 'to secure unanimity on basic issues affecting the profession', Rasammah organised a meeting of various teacher unions in August 1962 and emphasised that as 'one physical body of teachers we can more effectively improve conditions so that succeeding generations may live more freely and more abundantly'. At a historic meeting in 1965, Malaysian Teachers Union (MTU) was formed with Rasammah elected as a vice-president. National and international recognitions Rasammah accomplished many milestones in her time and for her dedicated, life-long service to fellow Malaysians, she was bestowed with numerous awards: A Federal Government Datukship; Tokoh Guru Award (1983); Pingat Emas Tun Fatimah (2003); Tokoh Wanita (2012) and the sole recipient of the Malaysian Women Leadership Award at the Global Summit of Women (2013). In 2014, her alma mater the University of Malaya conferred her an honorary Doctor of Philosophy for her stellar contributions to the country's education and public service. Rasammah Bhupalan was a remarkable citizen of Malaysia and undoubtedly one of the country's outstanding and distinguished women leaders. Caring not for personal comfort, prestige or promotion, she devoted her energy to do what she believed in to be right and proper; for the cultural, educational, and economic betterment of Malaysia. Her emphasis on helping all to excel in education, especially needy students, renewed the ideals of service to level up our socially disadvantaged communities, and, ultimately, to galvanise a progressive Malaysia. Prof Viswanathan Selvaratnam is honorary professor at the Asia-Europe Institute (AEI), Universiti Malaya.
Malay Mail
16-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Rasammah Bhupalan's legacy reminds us what Teachers' Day is really about — Ng Kor Sim
MAY 16 — Educationist Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan passed away just days before we mark Teachers' Day on May 16. The timing feels significant, almost poetic. After all, she wasn't just a teacher. She was an icon of what it means to educate, lead and fight for others. As we remember her life, we're also reminded of the teachers around us today — the quiet heroes in classrooms, canteens and school corridors who continue to shape young minds, often with little fanfare. Education has always been close to my heart. I had my early education in Segamat, where teachers were more than just educators. They were mentors, role models and sometimes even second parents. I did not come from a rich family, living far from the nearest tuition centre or secondary school. But my father always insisted that education was important, not just for grades, but for a better life. In the 1990s, we were among the first families in our area to own a desktop computer. And when TM launched its Internet dial-up service (yes, the type where the modem made that annoying static sound when trying to connect to the web), we were the first in our community to sign up! My parents believed in opening doors for us, even if it meant riding on the back of a motorbike or in the back of a lorry just to get to school or English tuition. Year One students at SJKT Puchong. — Picture by Raymond Manuel I still remember my English tutor, Miss Lian. She was from Malacca and couldn't speak Mandarin. I was only seven, and I didn't understand English. One day, she mentioned Snow White, a story I had never heard before. She was taken aback. She felt that no child should grow up without fairy tales. So she asked her colleague to translate the story into Chinese just so I could understand. That kindness has stayed with me. To this day, I believe teachers don't just teach — they shape futures. That's why Rasammah's legacy resonates so deeply. She taught in schools, but her impact went far beyond them. As a young woman, she joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment to fight for India's independence. Later, she founded the Women Teachers' Union in Malaysia and pushed for equal treatment and better conditions for women in education. She didn't just teach from a syllabus; she lived her principles. In many ways, Rasammah's story mirrors the struggles of countless women in education, especially those in suburban, rural or underserved communities. I've met many such educators in my constituency in Jementah — women who give their best in school and then rush home to care for their families. Women who take extra time to help a student who's falling behind. They may not call themselves activists, but through their work, they uplift entire communities. Yet their efforts often go unnoticed. Many still face unequal opportunities when it comes to promotions or leadership roles. Some teach in difficult conditions, in schools without proper facilities or in remote areas most would avoid. Still, they carry on. This is why I believe our appreciation for teachers must go beyond words. It must be seen in policy, funding and long-term planning. In Jementah, I've tried to do my part as the Adun such as supporting school improvement projects, helping bridge the digital divide and creating spaces where young people can thrive. From sponsoring Jementah students to pick up computer coding skills, to donating laptops to underprivileged families and allocating funds for school infrastructure upgrades, education remains high on my priority list. But more can and should be done. We need to reimagine how we support teachers, especially women. That means not only improving infrastructure, but also investing in leadership pathways, mental health support and a work culture that values care as much as performance. It also means listening more to what teachers are saying about their classrooms, their students and the system they work in. They are closest to the ground. They know what's working — and what's not. Rasammah once said, 'If you want change, don't just talk. Do something.' She lived by those words. As we reflect on her life and the many educators still carrying the torch today, let us honour them not just with remembrance, but with resolve. Let this be a moment not just to look back but to commit to something better for the future. Because when we empower our teachers, we're not just building better schools. We're building a stronger, fairer nation. * Ng Kor Sim is the state assemblywoman for Jementah, Johor. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
13-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Icon of education and women's rights Rasammah Bhupalan dies at 98
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (pic), a trailblazer in education and a dedicated advocate for women's rights, died today at the age of 98 due to natural causes. Malaysia-India Heritage Society founder-president Prabhakaran Nair said Rasammah died at her residence in Damansara Heights here at 9am. "She died at home due to old age. Previously, she was unable to walk and wheelchair-bound,' he said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday (May 13). He said a wake will be held tomorrow at Rasammah's home, while the funeral will take place on Thursday (May 15) at the Wesley Methodist Church here, followed by cremation at Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam. Prabhakaran expressed his condolences, describing Rasammah as a remarkable leader who made significant contributions to the nation's independence, education, and the empowerment of women in Malaysia. The Malaysian Organisation for Development of Indian Women in Career, Entrepreneurs and Professionals (MiWEPs) adviser Dr Maria Rufina described Rasammah as a formidable trailblazer, educator, and social activist whose lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women has left a profound and lasting impact on the nation. "We are deeply honoured to have featured Datuk Rasammah in our Malaysian Indian Women Icon Coffee Table Book, a tribute that now stands as a lasting testament to her legacy. "We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to ignite change for years to come," she said in a statement. The Indian High Commission in Malaysia also extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Rasammah, an Indian National Army veteran, who was a member of the Jhansi Regiment, the women's wing of the INA, and fought for India's independence. "The High Commission salutes Datuk Rasammah for her selfless service as an INA veteran. She was also one of the earliest women involved in the fight for Malaysian (then Malaya) independence. "She also fought for the rights of women in Malaysia and has successfully trained and empowered economically disadvantaged young women,' according to a statement on Facebook. In a post on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to Rasamma. Anwar described the late Rasammah as a steadfast and courageous advocate, who consistently championed justice, gender equality, and peace. "I was shocked to receive news of the passing of Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan this morning. She was a prominent figure in Malaysia. "The legacy she left behind will undoubtedly make a lasting impact, and serve as a powerful source of inspiration for the women's struggle in Malaysia. "She also dedicated her life as an educator at Penang's Methodist Girls' School," he said. Rasammah, born on May 1, 1927, to a family of educators, began her teaching career at the Methodist Boys' School Kuala Lumpur (1959-1964) before serving as principal of Methodist Girls' School Kuala Lumpur for 14 years until her retirement in 1982, after which she led Methodist College, Brickfields as principal. At the age of 16, she enlisted in the women's wing of the INA to fight against British rule and was stationed in the then Burma before returning to Malaya in 1945 due to malaria. She founded the National Union of Women Teachers, successfully campaigned for equal pay for women educators in 1961, and championed key social causes including education, women's rights, anti-drug campaigns, and social justice through her work with organisations such as the National Council of Women's Organisations Malaysia (NCWO) and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam). - Bernama
Barnama
13-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
Icon Of Education, Women's Rights Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan Dies At 98
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan, a trailblazer in education and a dedicated advocate for women's rights, died today at the age of 98 due to natural causes. Malaysia-India Heritage Society founder-president Prabhakaran Nair said Rasammah died at her residence in Damansara Heights here at 9 am. 'She died at home due to old age. Previously, she was unable to walk and wheelchair-bound,' he said when contacted by Bernama today. He said a wake will be held tomorrow at Rasammah's home, while the funeral will take place on Thursday (May 15) at the Wesley Methodist Church here, followed by cremation at Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam. Prabhakaran expressed his condolences, describing Rasammah as a remarkable leader who made significant contributions to the nation's independence, education, and the empowerment of women in Malaysia. The Malaysian Organisation for Development of Indian Women in Career, Entrepreneurs and Professionals (MiWEPs) adviser Dr Maria Rufina described Rasammah as a formidable trailblazer, educator, and social activist whose lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women has left a profound and lasting impact on the nation. 'We are deeply honoured to have featured Datuk Rasammah in our Malaysian Indian Women Icon Coffee Table Book, a tribute that now stands as a lasting testament to her legacy. 'We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to ignite change for years to come,' she said in a statement. The Indian High Commission in Malaysia also extended its deepest condolences on the passing of Rasammah, an Indian National Army (INA) veteran, who was a member of the Jhansi Regiment, the women's wing of the INA, and fought for India's independence.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rasammah Bhupalan, trailblazer for women and education in Malaysia, dies at 98
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Education pioneer and women's right advocate Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan has passed away at 98, with a wake to be held tomorrow at her Kuala Lumpur home. Her funeral will be held on Thursday at Wesley Methodist Church, Kuala Lumpur, followed by a cremation ceremony at Nirvana Crematorium, Section 21, Shah Alam. A funeral notice issued by the family said that wake and funeral services will be streamed live via Zoom. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Hospis Malaysia or the YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre — which she founded. At just 16, Rasammah enlisted in the women's wing of the Indian National Army to fight against British rule and was stationed in then Burma before returning to Malaya in 1945 due to malaria. After earning her degree from the University of Malaya in Singapore in June 1953, Rasammah began her teaching journey at Methodist Girls' School in Penang. She also founded the Women Teachers' Union in 1960 and later served as principal of Methodist Girls' School in Kuala Lumpur. She then received the Tokoh Guru award in 1986. She was also a co-founder of the National Council of Women's Organisations. Speaking to Malay Mail, renowned cultural preservationist and former student Eddin Khoo described Rasammah as a guiding force and a figure who truly embodied the spirit of a generation crucial to Malaysia's development. Reflecting on his time as a student at Methodist High School (now Methodist College), Eddin said Rasammah was not just an educator, but a pioneering woman who played an integral part in shaping Malaysia's history. He said that Rasammah's influence was not confined to the classroom as she also became active in politics during the 1998 Reformasi movement, co-founding Parti Keadilan Nasional — which would later merge with Parti Rakyat Malaysia to become PKR. 'I think the most important role she played was that of an educator. Through education, she became central to the lives of many individuals who later went on to contribute significantly to the nation. 'She became headmistress of some of the most respected schools in the country ... She truly lived at the heart of the nation. More importantly, she lived in the hearts of all her students,' he said. Recommended read: Iconic KL teacher soldiers on for women's rights
