As global challenges grow more complex, the role of teachers becomes even more vital in shaping a generation with moral strength, capable of blending knowledge with human values in wisdom, in line with the MADANI vision.
— Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
A belated Happy Teachers’ Day to all key teachers in our lives. Besides school teachers/educators, these key teachers include our parents and families, mentors and role models, our peers and friends.
Our parents and families are the first teachers who instil core values, character and foundational life skills in us while our school teachers/educators serve as academic mentors, counsellors and motivators who foster our intellectual growth.
Meanwhile, our mentors and role models are individuals who inspire us, share their expertise and encourage our personal growth while our peers and friends are individuals who facilitate our collaborative learning and social development.
Yesterday, May 16, was officially Teachers’ Day in Malaysia. Teachers’ Day is a significant global observance dedicated to honouring school teachers for their important role in shaping individuals, communities and nations.
The city of Ipoh, Perak hosted this year’s 55th national-level Teachers’ Day celebration. The two-day celebration started on May 15.
The theme of this year’s celebration was ‘Guru Bitara Nadi Negara’ (Outstanding Teachers, the Pulse of the Nation), highlighting the role of teachers as key role models or ‘bitara’ in shaping quality human capital that would form the backbone of the nation’s economy and social stability.
The theme also reflected appreciation for the teaching profession as a key driver of national progress and well-being.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the celebration at Casuarina Hotel in Ipoh yesterday.
He said educators needed to be big-hearted in accepting challenges and criticism positively, especially regarding shortcomings and problems involving students.
He revealed that the Education Ministry was currently preparing an education framework that not only focused on economic and technological progress such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital but also maintained its identity and noble values.
At the ceremony, Anwar also presented three awards, namely, the Best School in the World to Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 11 (1), the National Education Leadership Award to Dr. Ahmad Rafee Che Kassim and the National Teacher Award to Abdul Rasid Bakar.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook post in conjunction with Teachers’ Day yesterday, the Prime Minister said the role of teachers was becoming more crucial in an increasingly complex world, particularly in shaping a generation with strong moral character and inner strength grounded in human values.
Teachers’ responsibilities, he pointed out, were no longer confined to imparting knowledge but also included building confidence, upholding human dignity and instilling hope and aspiration in life.
“Today we recognise the service, sacrifice and dedication of teachers who are the backbone of nation-building and who shape the character, values and civilisation of our country,” added Anwar.
Yesterday, as I was getting ready for work, I received a WhatsApp message from a young colleague in the office.
“Happy Teachers’ Day Adeline,” it said.
“Tqvm,’ I replied.
Apparently, like me, the polite young man also thinks that the Teachers’ Day celebration is for all key teachers in his life, not just the school teachers/educators.
I was deeply touched. I did not expect to receive a ‘Happy Teachers’ Day’ message from a young colleague in the office. I also never thought he would consider me his teacher.
In the office, I just did what I had to do — checked the pages he had done, correct any grammatical mistakes and once in a while, offered suggestions for better headlines.
In fact, over the years, I have been a teacher to many young colleagues in the Sarawak Tribune. Until yesterday, no one had ever wished me a “Happy Teachers’ Day.”
Long ago, I wanted to be a teacher. But I could not fulfil my dream. Instead, I became a journalist.
My friends, do you realise that in life, we never stop learning? We learn in school and university. Then, we continue learning at our workplace and in life.
Earlier in my career as a journalist, I learnt a lot about sub-editing, reporting, feature writing, etc, from in house courses and courses held outside the office by media bodies.
I was also sent on overseas leisure trips by Sarawak Tribune and learnt to appreciate the beauty of other nations.
Meanwhile, my trips to other parts of Sarawak made me appreciate the state’s natural diversity and rich indigenous heritage.
Even now, although there are very few courses to attend and no more overseas leisure trips, I am still learning.
Yesterday’s “Happy Teachers’ Day’ WhatsApp message reminds me that I am where I am today, at least in the office,
because of some of my superiors who have generously shared with me what they have personally learnt. Thank you, Harry and Aden if you are reading my column today.
In school or university, our teachers may be older than us. In life including our workplace, they can be younger than us, even as young as our own children or grandchildren.
Anyway, just keep on learning, my friends. And once again, a belated ‘Happy Teachers’ Day’ to you all.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at adelinel888@gmail.com.
