32 Malaysian teachers to serve in UK under global immersion programme
Zahid (seated centre) speaks to reporters during the press conference. Flanking him are Fadhlina and Nanta. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (May 16): A total of 32 teachers from across the country will soon gain valuable experience serving at international schools in the United Kingdom under the Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers (GIFT) programme.
In disclosing this, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the teachers were recipients of the IKON Award, Innovative Teacher Award, Special Education Award, and Distinguished Teacher Award, which were awarded in conjunction with this year's national-level Teachers' Day celebration in Kuching.
'To honour and empower these educators so they can continue excelling and becoming exemplary figures in the profession, the Ministry of Education will sponsor their placement in the UK, where they will participate in upskilling programmes and engage in professional exchange with educators there.
'Congratulations to all 32 teachers who will be going on this fully sponsored journey,' she said during the 54th national-level Teachers' Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
She also revealed that the ministry has allocated RM4 million to support the programme, which also covers short-term overseas training for selected teachers and officers in specialised fields.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who officiated at the event, proposed that the number of teachers sent abroad for global exposure be increased tenfold – from 32 to 320 – to better prepare Malaysian educators for the future of education.
'I think sending 32 teachers to the UK to broaden their mindset is a good starting point, and we welcome it if the number could be increased,' he told a press conference after the event.
'This is about motivation and recognition for our teachers. I will support the Ministry of Education's efforts to seek additional funding for this cause,' he added.
Also present at the event were Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; and Education director-general Datuk Azman Adnan. Fadhlina Sidek gift Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers programme UK
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