Latest news with #SMK
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Teachers welcome book vouchers as support for teaching and students
KUALA LUMPUR: The provision of MADANI Book Vouchers to more than 400,000 teachers this year, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reflects the government's concern for educators, while also aiding them in the teaching and learning (PdP) process. Muhammad Ashraf Ahmad, 36, an English teacher at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Alang Iskandar, Perak, said the initiative, introduced for the first time, brings relief after he had long used his own money to cover the cost of learning materials. 'I plan to use this voucher to buy reference and additional exercise books that can be lent to students, because when this initiative is implemented, the spirit of teaching becomes stronger,' he told Bernama when contacted. Another teacher, Tengku Flora Tengku Kamarul Zaman, 48, expressed her gratitude and described the initiative as a form of government appreciation for the role of educators in shaping the nation's future. The MUET (Malaysian University English Test) teacher at the Form Six Centre (PTE) of SMK Taman Selayang hopes the government will continue to diversify aid initiatives for teachers, as such support can also enhance their psychosocial support towards students. 'I hope the government continues to provide consistent support, not only in the form of vouchers but also through improved infrastructure and ongoing training, for the progress and development of a quality future generation,' she said. For Rabiatul Nur Athirah Ramli, 28, a religious education teacher from SMK Rahmat, Melaka, the voucher will benefit not only herself but also her students. 'The provision of book vouchers to teachers is a great honour and a very meaningful recognition, as it not only acknowledges the contributions of teachers but also motivates us to remain committed to improving the quality of our teaching. 'I intend to use part of the voucher to purchase workbooks or additional reading materials for students, especially those who are less privileged,' she said. When closing the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2025 here yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the distribution of book vouchers to over 400,000 teachers for the first time, in addition to continuing the voucher programme for students of Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT). The announcement was also welcomed by IPT students, who suggested several improvements to its implementation, as raised by the Prime Minister. Wan Alani Nizam, 22, a student from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, said the initiative helps ease her financial burden, especially in purchasing academic reading materials. 'I'm very grateful that the government continues to provide vouchers to students, as this initiative does help lighten my financial burden, especially when buying reference books and academic materials. 'To ensure the vouchers are used prudently, I suggest that the categories of redeemable books be set—such as academic, scholarly, self-development, motivational, and course-related books only,' she said. Abu Hanifah Mohamad Hanapi, 23, a student from the Faculty of Sustainable Arts and Creative Industry at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), hopes more types of educational books will be offered under the book voucher programme for easier access. 'I hope the government diversifies the types of textbooks offered to make referencing easier,' he said. Last year, IPT students received MADANI Book Vouchers worth RM100.
Forbes
25-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Michelangelo Imperfect At National Gallery Of Denmark: A Bold And Poetic Celebration Of A Renaissance Giant
Michelangelo Imperfect, SMK – National Gallery of Denmark. Photo SMK Michelangelo Imperfect–a breathtaking new Michelangelo Buonarroti exhibition at the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) National Gallery of Denmark–is the most comprehensive display of the Renaissance artist's sculptural work in 150 years. Not since the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth in Florence in 1875 has so comprehensive a selection of the artist's sculptural production been gathered in one place. A true Renaissance man, Michelangelo cemented his legacy as one of the most talented artists in history with his iconic Sistine Chapel fresco at the Vatican and design for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. His sculptures are known worldwide and SMK presents many of his most celebrated works in Michelangelo Imperfect including a bronze David and Carrara marble Pietà. If one were to point to a single artist who has contributed fundamentally to the modern perception of art as self-expression in Western culture, it would be the Italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564). His iconic statue David shows us why. Viewed from the left, the almost five-metre-tall figure is a classically idealised, alert young man ready for battle – but when seen from the other side he changes expression, revealing doubt and hesitation. Michelangelo insisted on reflecting the often conflicted and contradictory inner lives of his figures. He was not the first to do so, but he did it with such consistency that it changed the course of art. Michelangelo Imperfect, SMK Denmark © Lee Sharrock Michelangelo's focus was almost exclusively on the human body, especially the male form, in which he found endless scope for expressing thoughts, emotions and tensions. He invariably strove for greatness, reaching for the impossible. Already in his lifetime, he was described as 'il divino' – the divine. But his art also revolves around the imperfect, the unfinished and the fragile; around being in a state of becoming, anxious, wavering and hesitating. This is apparent in his biblical, mythological and allegorical subjects alike. The exhibition's curator Matthias Wivel says: 'This is the impossible exhibition: You would never be able to gather Michelangelo's original sculptures in one place. But with SMK's collection of historical reproductions in plaster and newly produced facsimiles of the highest quality, we are able to present a perhaps imperfect, yet strikingly complete, overall account of a body of work that changed art forever and remains remarkably poignant today.' Michelangelo Imperfect, SMK Denmark © Lee Sharrock The basis for SMK's exhibition is its exquisite collection of historical casts after Michelangelo sculptures in the Royal Cast Collection. Most of these were commissioned and cast in 1895–98 for the then-new National Gallery of Denmark (today SMK). Some were added in the twentieth- and early twenty-first century. The collection encompasses the majority of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures. In order to get as close as possible to a complete presentation of the Renaissance master's sculptures, SMK complements these historical plaster casts with newly commissioned and -produced 3D-modelled and cast sculptures – so-called facsimiles – produced in Madrid by Factum Foundation, world leaders in the production of facsimiles, reconstructions and rematerialisations of artworks. This enables SMK to bring together under one roof reproductions of masterpieces that in the original are located in many different places and with only a few exceptions are never moved, either because they are too fragile to travel, too difficult to move, or, quite simply, too culturally significant. The exhibition also includes original sculptural models (maquettes), drawings, and letters from Michelangelo's own hand. Michelangelo Imperfect, SMK Denmark © Lee Sharrock Curator, Matthias Wivel comments: 'This will be a unique opportunity to experience Michelangelo's sculptural art as a whole. At the same time, it offers a chance to reflect on the role played by reproduction and copying in art and in our understanding of art. Reproductions have always been part of the way we create and perceive art, but have been somewhat neglected in a museum context in recent times. We see great potential here.' Michelangelo Imperfect is at SMK Copenhagen until 31st August, 2025.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Student who disappeared after school found at friend's home
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A Form Three student from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Indah, who was reported missing after school on Friday, has been found safe. District police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Kumarasan said Nur Iman Iskandar Abdullah, 15, was found at a schoolmate's home in Bukit Indah at 9.30pm last night. "Nur Iman Iskandar was found safe at 9.30pm. Investigations revealed he had a disagreement with his family," said Kumarasan in a statement today. He was reported missing by his 36-year-old father at the Taman Bukit Indah Police Station after failing to return home from school. At the time, he was last seen wearing a baju Melayu after attending a Hari Raya gathering at school. His disappearance was first reported yesterday, prompting concern after it emerged he had not been seen since leaving school.
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Motorbike licence programme boosts road safety, helps more S'wakians ride legally, says Lanang MP
Lau takes a closer look at a JPJ-compliant rider's vest at the closing ceremony of the BLM for the Lanang constituency. With the MP are (from right) Norizan and Nurul Fairezzah. — Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 10): The Class B2 Motorcycle Licence Assistance Programme (BLM) is a step forward towards reducing the number of unlicensed riders on the road. In stating this, Lanang MP Alice Lau has noted that one of the benefits is the education given to the riders advocating the practice of safe behaviours on the road. 'Additionally, obtaining a licence requires them to learn about the process, including the laws and everything else involved,' she told reporters when met after attending the closing ceremony of the BLM for the Lanang parliamentary constituency, at SMK Sacred Heart here today. This initiative by the Transport Ministry through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is one of the government's efforts to provide assistance to the B40 (low-income) group in obtaining a Class B2 motorcycle licence. Meanwhile, JPJ Sarawak director Norizan Jili said since the programme's implementation in early last year, a total of 13,370 participants had received their B2 licences. 'In 2025, a total of 3,078 residents across Sarawak have successfully obtained their licenses. 'The number of participants will continue to be increased from time to time based on the set conditions and criteria,' said Norizan. Also in attendance was JPJ Sibu branch chief Nurul Fairezzah Safri. Alice Lau BLM Class B2 Motorcycle Licence Assistance Programme Sibu
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Students escape blaze while attending prayers
KUALA LUMPUR: About 90 students escaped a fire at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tinggi Setapak dormitory as they were attending congregational Isyak prayers at the school surau. All students, aged 13 to 17, were at the surau when the fire started. Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department senior operations commander Japari Tajuddin said they received the alert at 8.43pm. Four fire engines from Setapak, Sentul, Jalan Hang Tuah and Gombak Selatan stations, along with an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team, were sent to the scene. "Upon arrival, the team found the fire involved the first floor of the boys' dormitory," he said. "Operations involving 40 personnel were carried out, and the fire was brought under control by 9.40pm." The fire was fully extinguished shortly after, but about 80 per cent of the building was destroyed. "Fortunately, no casualties were reported as all students were at the surau," he said. Japari said the department's Forensics Unit would investigate the cause and assess the losses.
