Latest news with #TechnicalandVocationalEducationandTraining
Malaysian Reserve
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Anwar: Finance Ministry to enhance pondok education system to meet current needs
PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Finance (Treasury) has been instructed to explore ways to enhance the capabilities of pondok institutions, including upgrading existing facilities and improving the curriculum to better align with current needs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move is crucial to ensure students are not only grounded in religious knowledge but also equipped to face contemporary challenges, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, gave his assurance that the traditional religious syllabus will remain intact. However, it will be complemented with elements such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). 'We will not interfere with the existing syllabus of pondok institutions, but we will incorporate new components such as TVET and AI. 'It is not about changing the system, but to complement and enhance it with elements that reflect current demands,' he said during a gathering with staff of the Prime Minister's Department here today. The Prime Minister emphasised that the government's efforts to strengthen pondok institutions through upgraded infrastructure and an improved curriculum should not be politicised, as they are sincere initiatives to ensure students are not left behind in the national mainstream. He said the move is made purely in the public interest, without any political agenda. 'Insya-Allah, I will contact Syeikh Wazir Che Awang Al-Makki Hafizahullah (Jabhah Pondok Kelantan deputy chairman) to accept his invitation to visit his pondok. This has nothing to do with politics. We should not be so tied to political views that we fail to recognise the greater good,' he said. As an example, Anwar said the government had already started efforts to empower huffaz (Quran memorisers) by providing TVET education to 12,500 students in their respective institutions 'This is a significant number. Imagine the impact if this approach continues — it would offer our children greater exposure,' he said. Anwar also commended the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) and its agencies, led by Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, for organising the 2025 Muzakarah Umara' dan Ulama' Pondok Kebangsaan (UMRAN) and Malaysia Bermunajat programmes last Saturday. He described both events as important platforms for strengthening ties between religious scholars and national leaders in advancing the MADANI policy framework. 'They also serve as a space to hear the views and advice of the ulama, ensuring that efforts to promote Islamic understanding and activities in the country remain in line with Islamic principles,' he said. Anwar further stressed the importance of upholding values, ethics, and religious understanding while pursuing technological progress for national development. 'While we aim high and embrace modern technology, we must stay grounded. 'We may reach for the skies and master the latest technologies, but without firm roots in our faith, ethics, culture, and religion, that progress will be hollow,' he said. — BERNAMA
Barnama
14 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Finance Ministry To Enhance Pondok Education System To Meet Current Needs
PUTRAJAYA, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Finance (Treasury) has been instructed to explore ways to enhance the capabilities of pondok institutions, including upgrading existing facilities and improving the curriculum to better align with current needs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move is crucial to ensure students are not only grounded in religious knowledge but also equipped to face contemporary challenges, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, gave his assurance that the traditional religious syllabus will remain intact. However, it will be complemented with elements such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Islamic values key to navigating AI, digital age](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FDATUK_SERI_ANWAR_IBRAHIM_c8918192809e4930907456e05c03a861_1752939004.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Anwar: Islamic values key to navigating AI, digital age](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Anwar: Islamic values key to navigating AI, digital age
PUTRAJAYA: Pondok schools must master modern technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, to ensure they are not 'swallowed' by technological changes. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in the pursuit of AI mastery, its content and knowledge must not stray from the foundations of aqidah (faith) and akhlak (ethics). Anwar said students from pondok institutions must also pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and integrate into the mainstream education system, in addition to their traditional studies, to face future challenges. "But times have changed. We must now ensure compatibility between the ulama and the umara (government), there are new knowledge disciplines, which have long been defended by the pondok (institutions). "If not, students from pondok institutions will be left behind in mastering new strategies and technologies. "Malaysia is among the countries spearheading AI development. But I realise, if AI is not embedded with values, not applied by morality, and enlightened knowledge, our AI is an AI made in America or the West," he said. Anwar said this during his speech at the 2025 Malaysia Bermunajat programme at Masjid Putra here today. Present was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said that in a world increasingly driven by AI, digitalisation and economic competition, pondok remains the last line of defence for aqidah and knowledge. At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia needs ulama who are articulate and well-versed, capable of delivering clarity and awareness to the people. "The pondok schools will serve as a line of defence, a protective wall safeguarding the Islamic faith and knowledge, which later fuels the spirit of independence. "They corrected our aqidah, preserved our culture as the foundation of education," he said.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Anwar says will not step down unless proven guilty of misconduct
Anwar says he is firm on this and would continue to focus on fulfilling his mandate to develop the people and the nation. – Bernama photo BAYAN LEPAS (July 19): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today affirmed that he will not resign as demanded by certain quarters, as long as he has not committed any wrongdoing or abused his power. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he is firm on this and would continue to focus on fulfilling his mandate to develop the people and the nation. 'Insya-Allah, I will not step down. If I had stolen public funds and people demand my resignation, then fine. But I did not steal anyone's money. I've been Prime Minister for nearly three years now, and I ask — where have we awarded projects through direct negotiation? All must go through the tender process. 'Use Parliament. Criticise if you must. If the opposition has the numbers, they can table a motion — that's the proper way. Persuade any MP to support you. If I lose, I will step down gracefully. That's the peaceful way,' he said. He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Teluk Kumbar Kompleks Madani near here today, which was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. The Prime Minister, who is on a one-day working visit to Penang , said the Madani government under his leadership is working tirelessly to develop the nation, including addressing the rising cost of living. He noted that various initiatives are being implemented, including raising the minimum wage, providing assistance to poor padi farmers, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, increasing affordable housing for the B40 group, and raising civil servants' salaries. Acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved within just three years of leading the government, Anwar said the administration is doing its utmost to support the people while pushing forward Malaysia's development. At the event, Anwar also announced an additional allocation of RM5 million for the development of Penang's Barat Daya district this year. – Bernama anwar ibrahim calls. resignation government parliament
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar vows to stay as PM, focuses on national development
BAYAN LEPAS (Penang): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today affirmed that he will not resign as demanded by certain quarters, as long as he has not committed any wrongdoing or abused his power. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he is firm on this and would continue to focus on fulfilling his mandate to develop the people and the nation. 'Insya-Allah, I will not step down. If I had stolen public funds and people demand my resignation, then fine. But I did not steal anyone's money. I've been Prime Minister for nearly three years now, and I ask — where have we awarded projects through direct negotiation? All must go through the tender process. 'Use Parliament. Criticise if you must. If the opposition has the numbers, they can table a motion — that's the proper way. Persuade any MP to support you. If I lose, I will step down gracefully. That's the peaceful way,' he said. He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Teluk Kumbar Kompleks MADANI near here today, which was also attended by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. The Prime Minister, who is on a one-day working visit to Penang , said the MADANI government under his leadership is working tirelessly to develop the nation, including addressing the rising cost of living. He noted that various initiatives are being implemented, including raising the minimum wage, providing assistance to poor padi farmers, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, increasing affordable housing for the B40 group, and raising civil servants' salaries. Acknowledging that not all issues can be resolved within just three years of leading the government, Anwar said the administration is doing its utmost to support the people while pushing forward Malaysia's development. At the event, Anwar also announced an additional allocation of RM5 million for the development of Penang's Barat Daya district this year. - Bernama
