Education - News | The Star

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</div> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> var listing = {"data":[{"cms_article_id":3802133,"np_article_id":1571665,"article_title":"More Tamil teachers needed in secondary schools, says group","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"jjtamil -raj\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/nation\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/06\\\/more-tamil-teachers-needed-in-secondary-schools-says-group\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of Tamil language teachers are needed in 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07:00:00","sub_section_id":2,"image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/06\\\/3199036.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":6240,\\\"image_original_height\\\":4160,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}},\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_alt_text\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":\\\"\\\"}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Nation","permalink":"news\/nation\/2025\/03\/06\/more-tamil-teachers-needed-in-secondary-schools-says-group","show_image_in_thumb":3199036,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of Tamil language teachers are needed in secondary schools to replace those who have retired, says the Tamil Language Teachers Association of Secondary Schools Selangor.<\/p><p>The group added that proper training programmes are now needed at Institutes of Teacher Education to address the issue,<\/p><p>“There must be a structured system to ensure that retiring teachers are replaced promptly to avoid disruptions in learning, and also a proper placement of graduates,” its chairman S. Sundaramurthi told a press conference yesterday.<\/p><p>Six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were present at the conference to discuss concerns about Tamil schools and the education of Indian students.<\/p><p>Sundaramurthi said the recruitment of teachers should be streamlined so graduates are promptly placed in schools.<\/p><p>“When I retired in 2021, there was no replacement for me,” said the former teacher.<\/p><p>Due to long delays in finding a replacement, students lose interest in learning the language, a trend that risks shutting down Tamil language classes, he said.<\/p><p>He also said that in some schools, Pupils Own Language (POL) classes are closed due to a lack of students.<\/p><p>Sundaramurthi said that although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced that the minimum number of students required to open a POL class would be reduced from 15 to 10, there was still no official circular on the matter.<\/p><p>To ensure the continuity of Tamil language education in secondary schools, he said the government should reinstate structured training programmes like the Postgraduate Teaching Course (KPLI) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education Programme (DPLI).<\/p><p>Centre for Vernacular School Excellence director Arun Dorasamy said secondary schools require approximately 500 more teachers, with the current total at 8,687 Tamil language teachers.<\/p><p>Meanwhile, Malaysian Tamil School Education Development and Welfare Association president M. Vetrivelan urged Anwar and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to allocate 0.2% of the national education budget towards repairs and maintenance at Tamil schools as well as their relocation.<\/p><p>Anwar said when announcing Budget 2025 last year that over RM2bil will go towards repairing and maintaining schools nationwide – with RM1bil specifically for maintaining all types of schools, especially with dilapidated classrooms.<\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3801934,"np_article_id":1571354,"article_title":"Education Ministry urged to relocate Tamil schools to highly-populated zones","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"\\u00a0Tamil Schools, Enrolment, Urban, Rural, Relocate\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"KUALA LUMPUR: The relocation of Tamil vernacular schools to highly populated zones is needed to increase student enrolment, which is important in ensuring their long-term sustainability, says Centre for Vernacular School Excellence director Arun Dorasamy.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":null,\"initial_publication\":\"\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-05 18:40:10\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-05 18:40:10\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Johan bin Mohd Hulaimi\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":null,\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-05 16:26:00","sub_section_id":2,"image_path":"","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Nation","permalink":"news\/nation\/2025\/03\/05\/education-ministry-urged-to-relocate-tamil-schools-to-highly-populated-zones","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>KUALA LUMPUR: The relocation of Tamil vernacular schools to highly populated zones is needed to increase student enrolment, which is important in ensuring their long-term sustainability, says Centre for Vernacular School Excellence director Arun Dorasamy.<\/p><p>Currently, he said, 67% of Tamil schools are located in rural areas.<\/p><p>“Urban Indian communities lack access to Tamil schools, while rural Tamil schools struggle with low student enrolment due to a declining Indian population in those areas.<\/p><p>“We have continuously pushed for a relocation plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the national budget.<\/p><p>“Without a structured relocation plan, Tamil schools will cease eventually,” he said during a press conference here Wednesday (March 5).<\/p><p>He said to ensure the successful relocation of Tamil schools, it is essential to gain the attention and support of the Education Ministry, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).<\/p><p>“Only through collective effort and commitment can we bring this matter to the forefront,” he said.<\/p><p>Citing statistics from the Education Ministry's portal, he said data showed a declining enrolment of students in Tamil schools across Malaysia.<\/p><p>Overall, he said as of Feb 2025, the numbers have dropped from 77,828 students last year to 72,080 in 2025, excluding pre-school.<\/p><p>He also said that the number of schools with 10 or fewer students has increased significantly over the past year.<\/p><p>“Currently, there are 37 schools with 10 or fewer students out of a total of 528 schools, compared to 26 schools in May 2024.<\/p><p>“For schools with 30 or fewer students, the number has risen from 132 schools in May 2024 to 155 schools this year, marking an increase of 17.4%<\/p><p>“Last year, concerns were raised about the schools with fewer than 10 students, which needed immediate attention, including potential relocation,” he said, adding that now, with 37 schools in this category, the urgency for intervention has grown.<\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800510,"np_article_id":1568603,"article_title":"Investing in our nation\u2019s youth","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"rcedufund_main\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Star Education Fund, scholarships\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/education\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/investing-in-our-nations-youth\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"TO gauge a country's future, one can look at how it equips its youth.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"5\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 08:18:22\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 08:18:22\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"5\"}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\\\"image_path\\\":\\\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192370.jpg\\\",\\\"cms_type\\\":\\\"live\\\",\\\"small_image\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"is_updated\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_cropping\\\":{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":620,\\\"image_original_height\\\":420,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}},\\\"is_copied\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"media_type\\\":\\\"0\\\",\\\"image_caption\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_alt_text\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"image_count\\\":\\\"\\\"}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/investing-in-our-nations-youth","show_image_in_thumb":3192370,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":\"3192011\"}","article_body":"<p>TO gauge a country’s future, one can look at how it equips its youth.<\/p><p>In Malaysia, significant efforts have been made to ensure equitable access to higher education, including scholarships such as those offered through the Star Education Fund.<\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192367.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 135px; float: left;\" \/>Monash University Malaysia chief executive officer (CEO) Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said the university’s partnership with the fund highlights the importance of collaboration among universities, corporations and communities in supporting youth.<\/p><p>“We have pledged scholarships totalling over RM8mil from 2018 to 2025,” she told StarEdu.<\/p><p>Since its inception in 1994, the Star Education Fund has benefited 4,520 recipients, with scholarships totalling RM170mil.<\/p><p>The fund’s scholarship award presentation ceremony for the year 2024 was held at Menara Star on Feb 26.<\/p><p><img alt=\"Prof Adeeba\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192008.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 413px;\" \/><\/p><p>For the 2024 scholarship cycle, a total of 81 scholarships worth RM5.78mil were awarded. Monash University Malaysia was the top contributor, awarding seven scholarships totalling RM1.7mil.<\/p><p>Other top contributors included Sunway University, awarding five scholarships worth RM542,070; UCSI University Kuala Lumpur, six scholarships worth RM518,755; HELP University, four scholarships worth RM379,700; and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, 13 scholarships worth RM289,300.<\/p><p>Sunway University Student Life and Services chief Lee Siok Ping said scholarships represent strategic investments not only in the future of the recipients but also in the nation as a whole.<\/p><p>“By providing scholarships, we foster academic excellence, nurture talent, and advance research and innovation in emerging industries,” she said.<\/p><p><img alt=\"Lee\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192009.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 414px;\" \/><\/p><p>Lee, who is also Sunway Education Scholarship Committee chairperson, added that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.<\/p><p>UCSI Group CEO Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir expressed pride that UCSI, which has pledged support to the fund since 1994, is the first institution in Malaysia to back the cause.<\/p><p>“We will continue opening doors for talented and driven students across Malaysia.<\/p><p>“UCSI University, UCSI College and UCSI International School Springhill will make pledges this year, and we are excited to pledge the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the first time,” she said.<\/p><p><img alt=\"Prof Siti Hamisah\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192010.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 400px; height: 579px;\" \/><\/p><p>Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Chua Ping Yong said supporting students through scholarships fosters a highly skilled and educated workforce.<\/p><p><img alt=\"Chua\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192013.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 400px; height: 600px;\" \/><\/p><p>“Ultimately, by supporting talented students based on their merit and potential, we can contribute to the creation of a more equitable and meritocratic society,” he said.<\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192368.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 420px;\" \/><\/p><p>Peninsula College Georgetown chief executive Tung Chee Kuan said the institution’s scholarships, through the fund, target families with lower household incomes.<\/p><p>“These scholarships are provided without any strings attached,” he said.<\/p><p>Asia School of Business Student Journey director Malisse Tan said the institution is committed to developing principled and transformative leaders.<\/p><p>“Investing in education is not just about individual success; it strengthens communities, drives innovation, and supports the nation’s long-term development,” she said.<\/p><p><img alt=\"Tan\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192012.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 400px; height: 600px;\" \/><\/p><p><strong>‘Earning a degree and more’<\/strong><\/p><p>In light of reports that a significant number of Malaysian school-leavers have opted to work rather than pursue tertiary studies in recent years, the Star Education Fund’s partners-in-education emphasised the importance of recognising the value of higher education.<\/p><p>Prof Adeeba, who is also Monash University Australia pro-vice-chancellor and president (Malaysia), said universities offer more than just access to knowledge – they also provide exposure to new technologies and environments for innovation.<\/p><p>She added that beyond academics, universities offer critical networking platforms for the future.<\/p><p>“Extracurricular activities at universities, such as sports, clubs and arts, build teamwork, leadership and communication skills.<\/p><p>“Universities also teach students how to learn, adapt, and think critically – skills that remain valuable throughout life,” she said.<\/p><p>Prof Adeeba highlighted that many careers still require a degree as a minimum qualification.<\/p><p>“Attending university opens doors to specialised jobs. A degree from a respected university adds credibility to a resume and gives an edge in competitive fields,” she said.<\/p><p>While acknowledging that many factors contribute to school-leavers opting out of tertiary education, Lee said it is crucial for students and parents to recognise the transformative value of higher education in shaping individuals into well-rounded global citizens.<\/p><p>“The most important point to emphasise is that tertiary education extends beyond academic excellence, focusing on adaptability and staying relevant in an interconnected and rapidly evolving world,” she said.<\/p><p>She also said that with artificial intelligence (AI) and automation transforming industries, there is an increasing demand for specialised skills.<\/p><p>“Higher education offers structured learning and access to specialised knowledge in areas such as data science, robotics, programming, and other AI-focused fields, equipping students with critical competencies needed in today’s workforce,” she said.<\/p><p>Prof Siti Hamisah said it is important for students to consider their future and frame things with the right perspective.<\/p><p>“Quality higher education helps us deal with uncertainties in an ever-changing world. It’s not just about learning or mastering a discipline. Higher education equips you with transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied in different careers.<\/p><p>“It empowers you to be agile and adaptable in an ever-changing world,” she said.<\/p><p>MCKL Tertiary Programmes academic director Dr Cheah Sin Chye said in today’s fast-changing economy, higher education equips students with the tools to remain relevant.<\/p><p>“Graduates of higher education often benefit from expanded career prospects and higher earning potential. Many positions, especially those in leadership or specialised areas, now consider advanced qualifications a fundamental requirement.<\/p><p>“This not only unlocks opportunities for fulfilling careers but also gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market,” he said.<\/p><p>Tung said tertiary education safeguards students from downward mobility, which is often associated with lower paid jobs or unemployment.<\/p><p>“Participating in higher education might be a protection against vertically lower paid or semi-skilled employment such as being an ehailing rider or an influencer.<\/p><p>“Navigating through the path of tertiary education could uplift students from inconsistent working environment to a more stable and secure employability pathway,” he said.<\/p><p>Tan said with change as the baseline for the current era, adapting to each wave of change requires sufficient unlearning and relearning to happen.<\/p><p>“This goes beyond traditional education. Alongside learning specialised knowledge, it is critical to cultivate grit, critical thinking abilities and a growth mindset.<\/p><p>“To develop such future-focused skills and abilities, one needs to seek transformative learning experiences that allows one to immerse and promptly apply all that one has learnt in various life and work situations,” she said.<\/p><p>The Star Education Fund will be running for the 32nd consecutive year this year.<\/p><p>At the fund’s scholarship award presentation ceremony for the year 2024, Star Media Group group CEO Chan Seng Fatt also officiated the launch of the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2025.<\/p><p>“We are excited to announce that for 2025, the fund will be offering 214 scholarships valued at over RM14.24mil – one of our biggest milestones yet!” he said.<\/p><p>Applications for this year’s edition are targeted to open in April.<\/p><p><strong>Advice to aspiring scholars<\/strong><\/p><p>Begin by understanding the requirements of the scholarships you’re targeting and tailoring your application to highlight your strengths, experiences and aspirations. Academic achievements are important but don’t underestimate the value of extracurricular involvement, leadership roles and community service. These reflect your character and potential to contribute meaningfully to society. Don’t be disheartened by setbacks – every experience, even rejection, is an opportunity to learn and improve.<\/p><p><strong>– Monash University Malaysia CEO Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman<\/strong><\/p><p>While academic achievements are a reflection of one’s ability to navigate formal education, what truly inspires me is resilience and grit. The journey to securing a scholarship is one that demands effort, focus, and a thoughtful strategy. Approach this process as a moment of self-reflection, a chance to define your goals and demonstrate your potential.<\/p><p><strong>– Sunway University Student Life and Services chief Lee Siok Ping<\/strong><\/p><p>Envision the future and see what role you can – and should – play in it. Ask yourself: What problems do I want to solve? What impact do I want to make? Once you have done this, challenge yourself to become the change you seek and apply your talent at every opportunity.<\/p><p><strong>– UCSI Group CEO Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir<\/strong><\/p><p>Research merit-based, need-based and field-specific scholarships from educational institutions, government bodies and private organisations. Strong applications should highlight strengths and achievements, including compelling personal statements that articulate goals and how the scholarship will support aspirations. Letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors or community leaders can add significant value. Time management is critical. Track deadlines carefully and submit documents well in advance. Engaging in community service, leadership roles or extracurricular activities can further enhance your profile. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from school counsellors, academic advisers or scholarship experts.<\/p><p><strong>– MCKL Tertiary Programmes academic director Dr Cheah Sin Chye<\/strong><\/p><p>If you are unsure about which courses to apply for, seek advice. Never follow the trend blindly – focus on what makes you unique and search for scholarships based on that. Grades are important, so stay focused throughout secondary school, but don’t forget your extracurricular activities. Find activities that suit your passion and aim for leadership positions.<\/p><p><strong>– Peninsula College Georgetown chief executive Tung Chee Kuan<\/strong><\/p><p>Beyond academic excellence, we look for candidates who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact. Articulate your goals, showcase your achievements, and highlight how your education will contribute to your community and beyond. Most importantly, never hesitate to apply –opportunities exist for those who seek them with determination and passion.<\/p><p><strong>– Asia School of Business Student Journey director Malisse Tan<\/strong><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800508,"np_article_id":1568608,"article_title":"How I aced two exams","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"niebrats_exams\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"BRATs, Star-NiE, SPM, IGCSE, time management, perseverance\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"SITTING for one major exam is hard enough, but I chose to sit for two \\u2013 the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2023 and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in 2024.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"8\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 08:05:21\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 08:05:21\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"8\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192366.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":620,\\\"image_original_height\\\":420,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"Double+triumph%3A+Yee+Hui+completed+her+secondary+education+with+more+than+just+a+certificate.\",\"image_count\":4}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/how-i-aced-two-exams","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>SITTING for one major exam is hard enough, but I chose to sit for two – the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2023 and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in 2024.<\/p><p>I not only survived but also aced both with straight As. However, I am not here to blow my own trumpet or reinforce some parents’ belief in the importance of grades.<\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192030.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 200px; height: 81px; float: left;\" \/>Rather, I want to shine a light on the power of perseverance, good time management and strategy.<\/p><p>In Form Four, I made a bold decision to transfer schools, driven by my dream of studying overseas. I switched to an international curriculum, but with half of my SPM studies already behind me, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to finish what I had started.<\/p><p>As The Analects of Confucius teaches, completing what one starts is a virtue. Whether it was youthful passion, determination, or the dream I held on to, I chose to self-study for the SPM until the very end.<\/p><p>My parents, fully supportive of my decision, encouraged me every step of the way. With their backing, I took the leap.<\/p><p>You might wonder how I managed my time. The biggest lesson I learnt was that time management is far more crucial than I initially thought.<\/p><p>Using fragmented time wisely can make 24 hours feel like 48. I maximised every moment – whether during breaks, while waiting for transport, commuting or even in the half hour before lessons – by completing assignments, reading essays and reviewing notes.<\/p><p>However, as someone who tends to doze off easily, I also took short naps during car rides to ensure I stayed refreshed and energised.<\/p><p>At school, I focused on my IGCSE courses to free up time at home for SPM revision. Without tuition, I relied on online materials, reference books and past-year papers to guide my learning.<\/p><p>The initial phase was challenging since I had grown up in an education system where teachers provided structured guidance.<\/p><p>However, through perseverance, I learnt to understand concepts independently and practised extensively.<\/p><p>Teachers and online sources often emphasise the importance of past-year papers. Indeed, they are valuable, but doing them mindlessly in bulk is ineffective.<\/p><p>The key is to analyse mistakes, understand misconceptions and reinforce concepts. Instead of focusing on quantity, I ensured I truly grasped the material by making notes on the questions I got wrong.<\/p><p>Additionally, recognising one’s peak productivity hours – whether in the morning or late at night – helps optimise study sessions.<\/p><p>I am definitely a morning person. I made a habit of waking up an hour earlier before school to take a stroll or go for a jog to clear my mind and prepare myself for the day ahead.<\/p><p>Being attentive in class is essential as it minimises the need for extra tuition and saves time from relearning content.<\/p><p>In the end, I achieved straight As in both curricula, grateful for my efforts and happy to make my parents proud.<\/p><p>Reflecting on my educational journey, I have come to appreciate different learning approaches.<\/p><p>Eastern education, particularly in Malaysia and much of Asia, is largely exam-oriented, with an emphasis on discipline, rote learning and academic excellence. While this instils resilience and a strong work ethic, it can sometimes leave little room for creativity.<\/p><p>Western education, in contrast, encourages critical thinking, independent learning, and a more holistic approach to personal development. While this system encourages innovation, it may not always provide the structured guidance some students need.<\/p><p>I believe the best approach is a balance of both. A structured foundation helps students build discipline and mastery, while independent learning nurtures curiosity and problem-solving skills.<\/p><p>Education should not be about spoon-feeding knowledge but rather guiding students to take ownership of their learning. Self-learning is a crucial skill, and teachers should serve as mentors, guiding students rather than merely providing information.<\/p><p>Dear readers, exams are not just about grades. The habits you build, the patience you cultivate, the friends you make, the knowledge you gain, and the new perspectives you acquire along the way are just as valuable as the final result.<\/p><p>Thus, enjoy the learning process and keep going. Persist, persevere, and trust that the best is yet to come.<\/p><p><strong>Yee Hui, 19, a student in Johor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>For updates on the BRATs programme, go to<a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/niebrats\" target=\"_blank\"> facebook.com\/niebrats<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192031.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 418px;\" \/><\/p><p>With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.<\/p><p><strong>1 <\/strong>What lessons can you take away from Yee Hui’s learning journey? Share your thoughts with the class and discuss how you can apply them in your own studies.<\/p><p><strong>2<\/strong> Using words and pictures from today’s newspaper, design a poster featuring an inspiring mantra for students. Be as creative as possible! Once completed, display your poster on the class noticeboard.<\/p><p><strong>The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide.<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>For Star-NiE enquiries, email <a href=\"http:\/\/starnie@thestar.com.my\" target=\"_blank\">starnie@thestar.com.my<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800507,"np_article_id":1568610,"article_title":"Lessons beyond the classroom","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"niebrats_round\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"BRATs, startup, volunteering, Teach For Malaysia\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"WHAT do a startup competition, an English programme, and a volunteer initiative for underprivileged pupils have in common?\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"8\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 08:01:54\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 08:01:54\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"8\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192038.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":1904,\\\"image_original_height\\\":1080,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"+Giving+back%3A+Mirza+tutoring+underprivileged+pupils+during+one+of+her+volunteering+sessions.+\",\"image_count\":2}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/lessons-beyond-the-classroom","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>WHAT do a startup competition, an English programme, and a volunteer initiative for underprivileged pupils have in common?<\/p><p>They all taught me that the world is the best classroom, and the lessons you learn stay with you for life.<\/p><p>In essence, education should extend beyond the four walls of a classroom and a curated syllabus. In today’s fast-paced world, students should venture out and stay proactive to ensure they are well-equipped with in-demand skills.<\/p><p>By seeking beyond-the-classroom experiences, I not only developed relevant skills but also discovered the joy of giving back to the community and broadening my horizons.<\/p><p>Imagine being the youngest participant in a high-pressure environment alongside individuals from different walks of life. In just under 54 hours, you must work together and come up with the “perfect” startup pitch. It requires a high level of adaptability.<\/p><p>Every hour that passed during the Techstars Startup Weekend 2022 was precious. At first glance, this was not the most ideal environment to break out of one’s shell. However, that was exactly where I found myself.<\/p><p>Though my team did not secure a spot on the podium, the experience was invaluable. I gained insights from professionals and fellow teammates, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. More importantly, I learnt that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to improvement.<\/p><p>The fast-paced nature of the event sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills – qualities that no textbook could have fully taught me.<\/p><p>Beyond the business world, I discovered the power of effective communication through an English enhancement programme at a university. <\/p><p>Attending the four-week programme on my own last year was intimidating at first, but it became an invaluable opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. Over time, these connections blossomed into meaningful relationships that I cherish deeply. <\/p><p>I used to believe that language proficiency was just about grammar and vocabulary. However, I have since realised that it’s much more than that – it’s about confidence, articulation, and the ability to express ideas in a way that resonates with people.<\/p><p>By stepping into an environment where public speaking and interpersonal communication were essential, I understood the importance of making my voice heard – it is a tool that opens doors to countless opportunities.<\/p><p>Yet, perhaps the most profound lesson has come from my ongoing volunteering experiences with Teach For Malaysia. They have made me appreciate the privileges I have and fuelled a sense of responsibility to give back.<\/p><p>Volunteering to tutor children in basic literacy skills has reinforced a truth I have begun to grasp, which is that knowledge is not just meant to be acquired but also shared.<\/p><p>Stepping into classrooms filled with underprivileged pupils, I have seen firsthand how education – or the lack of it – shapes lives.<\/p><p>Though different in nature, these experiences taught me a common lesson: growth happens outside our comfort zones.<\/p><p>Stepping beyond the structured learning environment of a classroom allows us to cultivate adaptability, resilience and empathy for both personal and professional success.<\/p><p>This does not mean that conventional education is any less important; however, it is crucial that we incorporate more outside-the-classroom experiences. <\/p><p>The world itself is the best classroom, filled with endless opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.<\/p><p>To fellow students, I urge you to take that leap, seize new experiences and push your boundaries. The lessons you gain will last far beyond any exam or degree, shaping you into a more capable and compassionate individual.<\/p><p><strong>Mirza, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. <\/strong><\/p><p><strong>For updates on the BRATs programme, go to<a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/niebrats\" target=\"_blank\"> facebook.com\/niebrats<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800506,"np_article_id":1568606,"article_title":"\u2018It starts with teachers\u2019","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"teachers_samiha\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"From SAMIHA MOHD SALLEH KOTA TINGGI, JOHOR\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"education, teachers\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"7\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 08:00:53\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 08:00:53\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"7\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/it-starts-with-teachers","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>Welcome back to the start of the new academic year, teachers. Each new academic year is not just the beginning of another cycle but also a golden opportunity to inspire, uplift and transform lives.<\/p><p>Yes, there will be challenges, from shifts in curriculum requirements to advances in educational technology, but within them lie opportunities for growth, innovation and meaningful change.<\/p><p>Beyond delivering lessons and managing classrooms, teachers must be career-long learners as they are the agents of change in society.<\/p><p><strong>Beyond teaching<\/strong><\/p><p>Teachers are no longer just mediators of learning – they are agents of change in teaching, learning, and curriculum adaptation. This means having to lead with knowledge, character and integrity, instilling resilience, responsibility and purpose in the next generation.<\/p><p>An educator who is steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge, empathetic in their interactions, and ethical in their decisions sets a powerful example for students. Growth mindset<\/p><p>Education should not be about fear of failure but a journey of discovery and self-improvement. Teachers must instil in students the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes.<\/p><p>But this growth mindset must also be reflected in teachers themselves. Those who continuously seek new knowledge, refine their teaching methods, and challenge their own limitations remain effective and relevant in an evolving educational landscape.<\/p><p>Teachers must embrace innovation, experiment with new teaching methodologies, and integrate technology effectively to prepare students for the future.<\/p><p><strong>Student well-being<\/strong><\/p><p>A student’s success is not measured only by academic achievements but also by their emotional resilience and well-being. Teachers play a vital role in creating emotionally safe and supportive learning environments.<\/p><p>By promoting mindfulness, social-emotional learning and open communication, teachers can help students navigate personal and academic challenges.<\/p><p>A student who feels understood and supported is far more likely to stay engaged, take risks in learning and develop self-confidence.<\/p><p><strong>Challenge the norm<\/strong><\/p><p>Creating change in education requires boldness. Teachers must be blatant in their efforts to challenge outdated mindsets, break barriers and introduce new ideas.<\/p><p>Education should not be dictated by tradition alone – it must evolve to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.<\/p><p>Being an agent of change means speaking up, actively engaging in conversations that matter, and advocating for modern, inclusive and technology-driven learning.<\/p><p>If teachers are silent in the face of ineffective practices, progress will stall. They must be vocal and persistent in their pursuit of better opportunities for students.<\/p><p><strong>A greater purpose<\/strong><\/p><p>Change does not happen in isolation. Teachers must stand together, supporting one another in their shared mission to transform education for the better.<\/p><p>By fostering a culture of unity, respect, trust and collaboration, teachers can strengthen their collective impact, ensuring that challenges are met with shared solutions and successes are celebrated as a team.<\/p><p>Promoting cooperation and mutual support benefits everyone – teachers, students and the wider school community. A united teaching force is a powerful catalyst for meaningful change in education.<\/p><p><strong>Community engagement<\/strong><\/p><p>Education is not confined to the classroom – it thrives through collaboration with parents, communities and policymakers. Teachers who actively engage with parents, mentor students beyond school hours, and advocate for educational reforms help create a holistic and inclusive learning ecosystem.<\/p><p>Partnerships between schools and communities strengthen support systems and ensure that education remains a shared priority.<\/p><p><strong>Agents of change<\/strong><\/p><p>If we want to see a more compassionate, forward-thinking society, we must first embody those very qualities as educators.<\/p><p>The most effective teachers are those who can think critically, act decisively and remain steadfast in their commitment to student success.<\/p><p>Let this academic year be a reminder that every lesson taught, every encouragement given, and every challenge overcome contributes to a greater purpose. Teachers, you are the agents of change we need – now more than ever.<\/p><p><strong>SAMIHA MOHD SALLEH<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>KOTA TINGGI, JOHOR<\/strong><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800504,"np_article_id":1568605,"article_title":"Catalysing human-AI synergy","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"apu_abtar\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"education, APU, AI, assessments\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education with the next wave of innovations aiming to lessen workload, enhance learning analytics and deepen student engagement.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"7\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 07:59:55\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 07:59:55\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"7\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192018.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":8900,\\\"image_original_height\\\":4000,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"+Streamlining+tasks%3A+AI+allows+educators+to+engage+more+deeply+with+students.+%E2%80%94+123rf.com+\",\"image_count\":2}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/catalysing-human-ai-synergy","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education with the next wave of innovations aiming to lessen workload, enhance learning analytics and deepen student engagement.<\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192363.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 250px; height: 169px; float: left;\" \/>Traditional models, where teachers juggle grading, content generation and engagement, are increasingly unsustainable. AI is stepping in to address these challenges to facilitate a more human-centred approach.<\/p><p>Imagine AI drafting lecture notes and quizzes, and analysing classroom discussions in real time to refine teaching strategies.<\/p><p>AI-powered dashboards in Malaysia’s integrated Learning Management System (LMS) are being explored to aggregate student data, monitor progress and detect disengagement to help educators focus on meaningful interactions rather than administrative tasks.<\/p><p>Current AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek assist in generating assessments, but fully integrated AI systems can revolutionise course management by freeing educators from routine tasks.<\/p><p>Malaysia has piloted AI-assisted grading and feedback systems at institutions like the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, reducing assessment workloads and content creation.<\/p><p>Institutions can expand these initiatives to include AI-driven lesson planning, classroom activity suggestions, and automated content updates aligned with industry trends.<\/p><p><strong>Next-gen AI<\/strong><\/p><p>Real-time learning analytics and AI-powered adaptive feedback continuously track student progress, identify struggles and offer adaptive solutions.<\/p><p>In Malaysia, AI-assisted adaptive learning tools in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have increased engagement and reduced remedial planning time by 40%.<\/p><p>At Universiti Malaya (UM), AI-driven analytics provide lecturers with real-time data on student comprehension, allowing adjustments to teaching strategies.<\/p><p>Similarly, Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative provides AI-driven feedback to students, improving outcomes while reducing instructors’ grading workload.<\/p><p>AI can optimise peer learning by forming dynamic study groups based on student strengths and weaknesses.<\/p><p>Malaysian varsities are exploring AI for business strategy courses, ensuring diverse and balanced student collaboration. AI-powered mentoring systems can also match students with faculty and peers based on shared interests, fostering a more robust academic support system.<\/p><p>AI automates grading, syllabus updates and scheduling, reducing faculty workload. AI assistants can update course materials, refine assessments and optimise appointment scheduling.<\/p><p>This is particularly valuable for Malaysia’s polytechnics, where educators juggle teaching and industry collaboration.<\/p><p>AI-powered systems track internship performance and ensure learning remains aligned with workforce demands.<\/p><p>It is necessary to integrate AI into learning institutions by investing in infrastructure, upskilling educators, developing ethical frameworks, and establishing AI governance policies under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to ensure responsible AI adoption, encouraging AI research through academic-industry partnerships, and promoting continuous improvement.<\/p><p><strong>Ethics and bias<\/strong><\/p><p>With AI’s expanding role, ethical integration is critical. The MQA is developing AI governance frameworks to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act 2010.<\/p><p>Regular audits are necessary to prevent bias in AI-driven assessments and recommendations. Universities must prioritise AI literacy, training educators and students to critically evaluate AI-generated content.<\/p><p>Ethical AI use should also be embedded in curriculum discussions, particularly in education and technology courses.<\/p><p><strong>Actionable steps<\/strong><\/p><p>AI is shifting educators from content deliverers to facilitators of critical thinking, creativity, and mentorship.<\/p><p>With AI streamlining and handling routine tasks, educators can focus on student engagement and intellectual growth.<\/p><p>To accelerate AI adoption, educators can pilot AI-based formative assessment tools, while institutional leaders can sponsor AI workshops.<\/p><p>Policymakers could launch targeted grants for AI-driven teaching innovations, fostering a national ecosystem of AI best practices. Additionally, students could establish AI ambassador committees to develop peer-led best practices and promote responsible AI use.<\/p><p>Indeed, the future of higher education is about empowering, not replacing, educators. As Malaysia embraces AI’s potential, its true power lies in enhancing human-centred teaching.<\/p><p>The fusion of AI and human expertise will not only improve efficiency but also elevate the quality of education, making learning more engaging, personalised and impactful.<\/p><p><em><strong>Prof Dr Abtar Kaur Darshan Singh is a professor of innovative digital learning, the director of Digital Learning Hub, and the Unesco chair – Use of Innovative Technologies to Enhance Quality of Teaching – at APU. She obtained a Master of Science in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation degree from Syracuse University in the United States, and a PhD in Web-Based Learning from UM. Prof Abtar did her post-doctoral research (Fulbright) at Indiana University, US. <\/strong><\/em><\/p><p><em><strong>The views expressed here are the writer’s own.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800502,"np_article_id":1568604,"article_title":"From trials to triumph","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"rcedufundscholars_sidebar \"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"Star Education Fund, scholarship, HELP University, TAR UMT, Taylor's University, HWUM, Monash, Sunway University\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/education\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/from-trials-to-triumph\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"EVER since she was 11, Sherrylyn Tarel Krishnan has worried about her family's financial situation.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"5\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 07:56:33\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 07:56:32\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"5\"}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192016.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":6048,\\\"image_original_height\\\":4032,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"+We+did+it%21%3A+%28From+left%29+Shek%2C+Yuven%2C+Soon%2C+Sherrylyn%2C+Wong+and+Nur+Aisyah+celebrating+with+their+scholarship+certificates.+%E2%80%94+RAJA+FAISAL+HISHAN%2FThe+Star+\",\"image_count\":1}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/from-trials-to-triumph","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>EVER since she was 11, Sherrylyn Tarel Krishnan has worried about her family’s financial situation.<\/p><p>Her worries stemmed from her father’s passing, when he succumbed to a heart attack.<\/p><p>“It left my mother, two siblings and me feeling lost. We struggled a lot, especially financially. My mother worked multiple jobs to support us,” the 19-year-old told StarEdu.<\/p><p>When preparing for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 examinations, Sherrylyn wanted to sign up for tuition classes but could not afford them.<\/p><p>“I realised that I shouldn’t compare myself to classmates who had gone for extra classes. I studied very hard and tried my best,” she shared.<\/p><p>Her determination paid off as she scored 8As in her SPM and was among 81 students awarded the Star Education Fund scholarship for the year 2024, paving the way for her to pursue the Foundation in Arts leading to the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Data Analytics at HELP University.<\/p><p>“I hope to give back to society by helping others overcome obstacles like I did. I want to mentor and inspire individuals facing similar challenges, showing them that persistence and hard work can open doors to opportunities,” she said.<\/p><p>Fellow student Shek Jun Yi described the scholarship, which allows him to undertake the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons) at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, as a “life-changing opportunity”.<\/p><p>“In 2023, my father was involved in an accident that left him with a broken leg, making it impossible for him to continue working.<\/p><p>“This scholarship not only relieves us from the stress of tuition fees but also allows us to focus on recovery and other essential needs,” the 21-year-old said.<\/p><p>Madelyn Soon Zhi Cian, who is studying for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) at Taylor’s University, also expressed gratitude for the scholarship.<\/p><p>“I come from a B40 background, with my father being the sole breadwinner as a lorry driver supporting five of us. Additionally, my younger brother is an OKU (persons with disabilities) cardholder, which adds to the financial strain.<\/p><p>“This scholarship allows us to allocate resources towards other essential needs and gives me peace of mind to focus on my education,” said the 20-year-old.<\/p><p>Yuven Siva Kumar, who is enrolled in the Foundation in Science leading to the MEng Civil Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, is determined to make the most of the opportunity.<\/p><p>The 19-year-old’s journey to pursuing tertiary studies had been met with obstacles.<\/p><p>With his family of three struggling financially after his father’s death from a heart attack in 2018, he studied hard in hopes of securing a scholarship to ease his family’s burden.<\/p><p>Despite scoring 7As and 2Bs in his SPM examinations, his applications for multiple scholarship programmes were unsuccessful until he secured a full scholarship through the Star Education Fund.<\/p><p>“Civil engineering has always fascinated me because it combines creativity and problem-solving to build solutions that benefit society and economic development.<\/p><p>“I believe that by specialising in a field that strengthens my country’s infrastructure, I get to make my country proud,” he said.<\/p><p><strong>Healing paths<\/strong><\/p><p>Eunice Wong Luo Ee, who is pursuing the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University Malaysia, aims to provide holistic care for patients.<\/p><p>The 21-year-old received treatment at a government hospital at age 16 after being diagnosed with prolactinoma, which is a benign pituitary tumour that produces a hormone called prolactin.<\/p><p>“This has strengthened my resolve to contribute to Malaysia’s healthcare system as a qualified and compassionate medical professional. I aspire to provide accessible and equitable healthcare to my future patients, treating every individual with fairness and dignity.<\/p><p>“I believe that all patients, regardless of their backgrounds, deserve quality care and support during their time of need,” said the aspiring oncologist.<\/p><p>Nur Aisyah Khairul Hezry, who is working towards the BSc (Hons) Psychology at Sunway University, said she is eager to understand not only how the mind, emotions and behaviour connect, but also why.<\/p><p>“My past challenges have shown me the value of emotional support. My goal is to use this knowledge and make a positive impact on others,” said the aspiring child psychologist.<\/p><p>At age 10, Nur Aisyah was diagnosed with astrocytoma, a tumour in her spine that left her temporarily unable to walk for two years and required her to undergo 70 cycles of chemotherapy.<\/p><p>Besides affecting her studies, her battle with the illness put a strain on her family’s finances.<\/p><p>The 20-year-old shared that she almost gave up after being shortlisted for a few scholarships but ultimately facing rejection.<\/p><p>“My parents always remind me, ‘Failing once doesn’t mean it’s over. Get back up and try again’,” she said.<\/p><p>“Personal experience is the best teacher. My experiences have given me a passion for helping others find their inner strength, just as I did,” she added.<\/p><p>Launched in 1994 by the late Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Daud – who was the education minister at the time – the Star Education Fund has benefited 4,520 scholarship recipients with a total value of RM170mil.<\/p><p>For the 2024 edition, a total of 81 scholarships valued at RM5.78mil were awarded. The recipients were selected from 2,620 applications vying for scholarships in various fields and disciplines, ranging from pre-university and diploma to degree and master’s programmes.<\/p><p>Applications for the Star Education Fund Scholarship Awards 2025 are targeted to open this April. For enquiries, email <a href=\"http:\/\/edufund@thestar.com.my.\" target=\"_blank\">edufund@thestar.com.my.<\/a> – By ROWENA CHUA<\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800499,"np_article_id":1568607,"article_title":"Crucial keys to holistic learning","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"jjkinghenry\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"education, holistic education, Malaysia, pastoral care, KH8, CCB, King Henry VIII College Malaysia, leadership\"],\"external_link\":[\"\"],\"article_tags\":[\"\"],\"send_to_scmp\":[\"off\"],\"media_gallery_title\":[\"\"],\"media_gallery_flag\":[\"off\"],\"syncad_medrec_top\":[\"\"],\"syncad_megalead\":[\"\"],\"header\":[\"\"],\"stop_cxense_recommendation\":[\"\"],\"permalink\":[\"news\\\/education\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/crucial-keys-to-holistic-learning\"],\"origin\":[\"\"],\"agency\":[\"\"],\"review_max_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_rating\":[\"\"],\"review_summary\":[\"\"],\"review\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_end_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news_start_time\":[\"\"],\"breaking_news\":[\"\"],\"branded\":[\"{\\\"is_branded\\\":\\\"0\\\"}\"],\"paywall_package_type\":[\"Complimentary\"],\"video_source\":[\"\"],\"keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"summary\":[\"Education is a process where educators help students discover and develop their talents, guiding them towards their full potential.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"3\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 07:57:08\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 07:57:08\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"cxense_metatags\":null,\"target_page\":\"3\"}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192359.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":620,\\\"image_original_height\\\":420,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"Making+an+impact%3A+Pearson+%28right%29+and+Davis+at+KH8+in+Cyberjaya.+%E2%80%94+SAMUEL+ONG%2FThe+Star\",\"image_count\":6}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/crucial-keys-to-holistic-learning","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>Education is a process where educators help students discover and develop their talents, guiding them towards their full potential.<\/p><p>This, said Christ College Brecon (CCB), Wales, United Kingdom, head Gareth Pearson, cannot be done if the focus on education is solely on academics.<\/p><p>Holistic education, he stressed, is about helping young individuals discover their strengths and passions so they are equipped to make well-informed choices about their future.<\/p><p>“We want young men and women to leave us at 18 years old, confident that we have discovered everything that lies within them, and helped them develop these strengths so that they fully understand themselves and are well positioned to make good choices about their careers and lives after school,” he said.<\/p><p>This, however, does not mean being anti-academic.<\/p><p>“Academics and personal development should complement each other rather than be seen as opposing forces.<\/p><p>“Once students find something that they love and know they’re good at, and are recognised for it, confidence, self-belief and leadership skills will follow,” he said.<\/p><p><strong>Pastoral care<\/strong><\/p><p>A holistic education, with pastoral care at its core, ensures that students emerge from their schooling years as competent learners and well-rounded individuals equipped for the complexities of a globalised world, said Pearson.<\/p><p>In schools with excellent pastoral care, students feel safe enough to seek help when they are struggling, and have a deep sense of belonging.<\/p><p>Admitting vulnerability is an important life skill, as is being very good at self-help, he said, adding that strong pastoral care fosters an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and included.<\/p><p>A strong pastoral system, explained King Henry VIII College Malaysia (KH8) head of school Martin Davis, builds trust and relationships between students and educators.<\/p><p>“The essence of pastoral care lies in truly understanding each student, allowing for a tailored approach to education that evolves with their needs.<\/p><p>“It’s about knowing the child and then supporting them and trying to find the right pathway for them to later life so that they are able to grow both academically and personally.<\/p><p>“Pastoral care provides an environment for a child to feel happy, secure and loved so that they can thrive,” he said, adding that this is where the integration of local and cultural values within the school setting becomes crucial.<\/p><p>“We educate the children in internationalism and global citizenship but they’re also very rich in their own heritage and culture.<\/p><p>“So, our students will be able to work and fit in anywhere in the world.<\/p><p>“Gen Z is expected to experience 16 jobs in six to 10 different countries in their lifetime and we have to prepare them for that,” he added.<\/p><p>Holistic education, according to Pearson, ensures that students develop robustness and life-readiness.<\/p><p>This, he said, extends beyond individual resilience to include an understanding of cultural diversity and adaptability.<\/p><p>“Having the ability and understanding to work with anybody, any culture, and be at ease and comfortable while making others feel at ease and comfortable is a brilliant life skill to have,” he said.<\/p><p><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192358.jpeg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 620px; height: 620px;\" \/><\/p><p><strong>Skills and resilience<\/strong><\/p><p>The question, said Davis, is how to ensure students who leave the classroom go into the world and successfully become who they want to be.<\/p><p>“It’s about developing that self-confidence to know who you are, and understanding your own strengths and weaknesses,” he added.<\/p><p>Stressing the importance of equipping students with skills businesses and employers want, Davis said he has encountered many chief executive officers lamenting about talents who don’t know how to speak in front of other people.<\/p><p>The only way students can be employable, he added, is if they are able to lead and to present their ideas confidently.<\/p><p>“These are skills that set individuals apart in the job market.<\/p><p>“Academics certainly play a part but it’s these other things that make an employer say, ‘Wow, that’s fantastic’,” he said.<\/p><p>Agreeing, Pearson also pointed to the need for resilience in students, especially those who excel academically without having faced challenges.<\/p><p>“These students, when they fail for the first time in their 20s, shatter.<\/p><p>“So if they find school life easy, we need to find ways to make it a little uncomfortable so they become like a rubber ball – able to bounce back with resilience,” he said.<\/p><p>Pearson and Davis sat down to speak to StarEdu before the KH8 parent meet in Cyberjaya on Feb 20.<\/p><p>KH8 is the sister school of CCB.<\/p><p><strong>Scholarships available<\/strong><\/p><p>Opened in September 2018, KH8 shares governance, management, and teaching and learning with CCB, one of the UK’s oldest independent schools founded in 1541 by King Henry VIII. The KH8 curriculum is closely based on the UK national curriculum, and students sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the A-Levels. KH8 offers scholarships to support academically outstanding students in their IGCSE and A-Level studies. These scholarships are designed to recognise and reward excellence, providing deserving students with the opportunity to excel in a challenging and dynamic learning environment. For details, contact the school at 03-8800 9888 or email <a href=\"http:\/\/admissions@kinghenryviii.edu.my\" target=\"_blank\">admissions@kinghenryviii.edu.my<\/a><\/p><p><strong>School is about more than academics, parents say<\/strong><\/p><p><img alt=\"Heffernan\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192023.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 400px; height: 504px;\" \/><\/p><p>Nowadays, it is important for schools to focus on more than just academics because everyone is looking for all-rounders. When students leave school, they must be able to communicate and present themselves well, especially at job interviews. Many kids struggle because these skills were not nurtured at school and when they graduate, they are not able to adapt to the working world. I want to ensure my children don’t face the same challenges, which is why we prioritise schools that help them develop into well-rounded individuals.<\/p><p><strong>Lorraine Heffernan, 43, mother of three<\/strong><\/p><p><img alt=\"Syahirah\" src=\"https:\/\/apicms.thestar.com.my\/uploads\/images\/2025\/03\/02\/3192024.jpg\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/cdn.thestar.com.my\/Themes\/img\/tsol-default-image2023.png'\" style=\"width: 400px; height: 507px;\" \/><\/p><p>Learning isn’t just about sitting at a desk with books, pens and paper. Where do students see themselves in the future? What do they want to achieve, and how can they best reach those goals? Exposing them to different experiences helps open their eyes to new possibilities. It’s about getting involved in music, drama or sports — engaging in activities that shape growth beyond academics. Sports help relieve stress, while music and the arts foster creativity in students. That’s why a holistic approach to education is so important.<\/p><p><strong>Syahirah Radzi, 39, mother of two<\/strong><\/p>"},{"cms_article_id":3800495,"np_article_id":1568611,"article_title":"Mental literacy contests for all ages","article_custom_fields":"{\"\":[\"jjutar\"],\"seo_meta_keywords\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_description\":[\"\"],\"seo_meta_title\":[\"\"],\"sponsored_flag\":[\"\"],\"offer_flag\":[\"\"],\"featured_article_flag\":[\"\"],\"primary_category\":[\"\"],\"other_keywords\":[\"education, UTAR, MMLM, STEM, mind, mental 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2025.\"],\"columnist\":[],\"byline_email\":[\"\"],\"wide_image\":[\"off\"],\"wide_template\":[\"\"],\"lifestyle_categories\":[\"\"],\"byline_photo\":[\"\"],\"wide_story_template\":[\"\"],\"company_brand\":[\"\"],\"requester\":[\"\"],\"video_programme\":[\"\"],\"video_category\":[\"\"],\"is_video_programme\":[\"No\"],\"video_programme_start_date\":[\"\"],\"video_programme_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_klik_article\":[\"No\"],\"klik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"klik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"is_topik\":[\"No\"],\"topik_start_date\":[\"\"],\"topik_end_date\":[\"\"],\"caption\":[\"\"],\"fbia\":[\"\"],\"mstar_status\":[\"\"],\"footnote\":[\"\"],\"is_exclusive\":[\"off\"],\"drupal_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":null,\\\"properties\\\":{\\\"PUBLISHED\\\":0,\\\"PROMOTED\\\":0,\\\"STICKY\\\":0,\\\"LANGUAGE\\\":0,\\\"PUBLISH_STATUS\\\":0,\\\"BODY_SUMMARY\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"ENTITYQUEUES\\\":\\\"\\\"},\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"wp_custom_json\":[\"{\\\"type\\\":\\\"\\\",\\\"fields\\\":[]}\"],\"is_branded_article\":[\"No\"],\"branded_article_start_date\":[\"\"],\"branded_article_end_date\":[\"\"],\"majoriti_paywall_story_type\":[\"Free\"],\"cxense_tags\":[\"\"],\"superapp_keyword_tagging\":[\"\"],\"external_source\":[\"\"],\"page_number\":\"2\",\"initial_publication\":\"StarEdu EDUD\",\"date_created\":\"2025-03-02 07:49:16\",\"date_modified\":\"2025-03-02 07:49:16\",\"last_modified_user\":\"Sri jay\",\"section_color\":\"#F50404\",\"target_page\":\"2\",\"cxense_metatags\":null}","publish_time":"2025-03-02 07:00:00","sub_section_id":3,"image_path":"{\"image_path\":\"uploads\\\/images\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/02\\\/3192040.jpg\",\"cms_type\":\"live\",\"small_image\":\"\",\"is_updated\":\"0\",\"image_cropping\":\"{\\\"original_image\\\":{\\\"image_original_width\\\":5543,\\\"image_original_height\\\":3045,\\\"icd_image_type\\\":\\\"original_image\\\"}}\",\"is_copied\":\"0\",\"media_type\":\"0\",\"image_caption\":\"+Gearing+up+for+mental+mastery%3A+%28Seated+from+left%29+TAR+UMT+president+and+MMLM+secretary+Prof+Dr+Lee+Sze+Wei%2C+Chuah+and+UTAR+council+member+Datuk+Lim+Si+Cheng+posing+with+promotional+posters%2C+along+with+the+Mind+Competitions+2025+judges+and+presenters+who+showcased+their+skills.+%E2%80%94+LOW+BOON+TAT%2FThe+Star+\",\"image_count\":1}","section_id":1,"section_name":"News","sub_section_name":"Education","permalink":"news\/education\/2025\/03\/02\/mental-literacy-contests-for-all-ages","show_image_in_thumb":0,"a_custom_data":"{\"exclude_from_gallery\":null,\"lead_image_id\":null}","article_body":"<p>INDIVIDUALS from all walks of life, particularly students, should sign up for the Mind Competitions 2025.<\/p><p>Memory training strengthens cognitive abilities, which are especially essential for success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), said Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) vice chairman Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik.<\/p><p>Memory training to enhance analytical thinking, problem-solving and data retention, he said, equips students with skills that are crucial for excelling in STEM fields.<\/p><p>“For you to get involved in important areas like artificial intelligence (AI), data science or virtual reality, you need a very good mathematical and scientific background,” he said, adding that how one trains one’s mind to be sharp is equally important, which helps one succeed in these areas.<\/p><p>“Nowadays, when people talk about data science, it’s about how you collect, analyse and retain that information in your mind to put it into an application,” he said during the Mind Competitions 2025 press conference at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long campus on Feb 25.<\/p><p>The Mind Competitions, to be held on April 26, are part of MMLM’s initiatives, established by UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik to promote mental literacy among Malaysians through techniques like memory skills, critical thinking and creativity.<\/p><p>Highlighting the worrying decline in STEM interest, Prof Chuah said the number of students taking up science in the country has dropped to an alarming rate.<\/p><p>He emphasised the crucial role of memory training and cognitive exercises in reigniting students’ enthusiasm for these disciplines.<\/p><p>“Students need a strong scientific and mathematical background and a sharp analytical mind to excel in STEM fields, and competitions like this can help cultivate these essential skills from a young age,” he explained.<\/p><p>He said having strong technological knowledge is essential for career advancement, but the ability to manage time effectively and build strong networks is equally important.<\/p><p>“Events like the Mind Competitions 2025 play a crucial role in sharpening memory skills, helping individuals recall important details such as dates, numbers and names.<\/p><p>“For instance, if I remember a gentleman’s name and greet him the next time we meet, he will feel a sense of familiarity and connection, which is an important skill to have at the workplace,” he said, adding that the Mind Competitions 2025 equip students with memory techniques that go beyond academics, helping them excel in both personal and professional relationships.<\/p><p>To highlight the effectiveness of brain training, demonstrations of mental prowess were held during the press conference.<\/p><p>SJK(C) Yoke Nam, Kuala Lumpur, pupil Tooh Hyo Ee, nine, who showed off her ability to solve a series of mathematical equations quickly and accurately, said English is her favourite subject but she likes remembering numbers and solving equations quickly because it is exciting.<\/p><p>Meanwhile, senior participants Tan Swee Kok, 60, and Chin Kooi Lan, 68, were also on hand to demonstrate their memory skills.<\/p><p>Tan showcased his ability to recall a series of random words in sequence, while Chin displayed her talent for reciting digits of the mathematical constant Pi.<\/p><p>Chin, said one of the competition’s judges, Teo Kim Foo, only learnt the skill a month ago and had already made remarkable progress, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured memory training.<\/p><p>“Their participation shows that memory training is beneficial for all ages and that cognitive agility can be preserved and enhanced through continuous practice,” said Teo.<\/p><p><strong>Mind Competitions 2025<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Registration deadline: April 12<\/strong><\/p><p>> Now in its 16th year, the Mind Competitions 2025 will be held on April 26 across four locations: UTAR Sungai Long, UTAR Kampar, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Penang, and Catholic High School in Sibu, Sarawak.<\/p><p>> The competition consists of three main categories: Memory, Mind Mapping, and Mental Calculation —each with subcategories like Random Words, Random Numbers, Dates and Events, Random Letters of the Alphabet, Mind Mapping from Written Text, Free-Style Creative Mind Map, Mental Additions and Mental Multiplications.<\/p><p>> Open to all ages, from preschoolers to retirees, participants can compete for prizes totalling RM51,000. Special awards include RM500 for the best school, senior citizens aged 60 and over, and children aged nine and under in all categories.<\/p><p>> All registrations must be completed online.<\/p><p><em><strong>Details: Log on to <a href=\"http:\/\/mmlm.utar.edu.my\" target=\"_blank\">mmlm.utar.edu.my<\/a> \/ email <a href=\"http:\/\/mmlm@utar.edu.my\" target=\"_blank\">mmlm@utar.edu.my<\/a> \/ call 03-9086 0288 (ext 810) \/ send a WhatsApp message to +6016-223 3563<\/strong><\/em><\/p>"}]}; var paywallSpan = '<span class="labels labels--free" data-toggle="tooltip" title="" data-original-title="This is a Free article"><i class="fa fa-unlock"></i></span>'; var premiumSpan = '<span class="biz-icon" data-toggle="tooltip" title="" id="sbp-tip" data-original-title="Premium">Premium</span>'; var paywalllockSpan = '<span class="labels labels--gray" data-toggle="tooltip" title="" data-original-title="This is a locked article"><i class="fa fa-lock"></i></span>'; var sbpLockSpan = '<span class="biz-icon" data-toggle="tooltip" title="" id="sbp-tip" data-original-title="This is a Premium article" aria-describedby="tooltip489695">Premium</span>'; 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