Exemplary: (From left) Muhammad Asif and Tay posing with their trophies after the convocation ceremony. — SHAARI CHEMAT/THE STAR
Aspiring educators must not neglect the fundamental mission of human development once they graduate, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
“We would not be disappointed if you forget parts of the curriculum, but we would be deeply disappointed if you leave the Institutes of Teacher Education (IPGs) without improving and becoming a better human being.
“You must be a good person, as envisioned by the National Education Philosophy,” she said during the ministry’s 14th IPG convocation ceremony in Putrajaya on Nov 7.
Fadhlina emphasised that the goal of an educational institution is to produce individuals who are enriched with compassion and understanding by the time they complete their studies.
“An educational institution should help students develop into confident, well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society, and inspiring other individuals to do the same,” she said, before calling on the graduates to be proactive in driving change, embodying the values of knowledge, and advancing education reform towards the construction of a civilised society.
“You are our hope to uphold the values of knowledge and to continue bringing change, especially in relation to the quality of our nation’s education system,” she added.
Congratulating award recipients Muhammad Asif Mohd Fahmi and Jasmine Tay Jing Xuan, Fadhlina said the duo serves as an inspiration for their peers.
Special Gold Award recipient Muhammad Asif said he hopes to encourage his students to nurture those with diverse qualities.
“I hope they will go on to produce more students who do not only excel in academics, but also in the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of life,” said the 23-year-old, who graduated with a teaching degree in physical education after completing his studies at the Temenggong Ibrahim IPG campus (IPGKTI) in Johor.
Having received the Director’s Award every semester, Muhammad Asif was named the best physical education student in 2020 and was elected the IPGKTI Student Representative Committee president for the 2022/23 session.
Reflecting on his journey, Muhammad Asif, who now teaches at SK Menjalara in Kepong, Selangor, said his strategy for balancing leadership, sports and academics was to always plan ahead.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Tay, who received the Special Co-Curriculum Award following her active involvement in wushu, expressed her desire to start a club for the sport at her school, SJK(C) Lok Yu 6 in Benut, Johor.
“I’m grateful for this recognition, and I’m looking forward to pursuing a master’s degree in sports science after gaining a few years of work experience,” she said.
Born in Negri Sembilan, Tay has represented her state in wushu championships since 2012.
She competed internationally for the first time at the tender age of 13.
Muhammad Asif and Tay were among the 6,382 graduates at the ceremony, who completed their studies and teacher training at 28 IPG campuses and English Language Teaching Centres.
The convocation ceremony involved students from the Bachelor of Teaching Degree Programme, Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme, Teaching Diploma Programme, and Additional Intervention Programme Option.
