PM: Sekolah Angkat Madani goes beyond mere CSR
PUTRAJAYA: The public-private collaboration under the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative goes beyond conventional corporate social responsibility (CSR), but reflects a deeper commitment to compassion and nation-building.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, joined by four government-linked investment companies (GLICs), namely Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan Petronas, Yayasan UEM and Yayasan TM, aims to uplift educational opportunities for underserved communities.
The initiative, he said, reflects a shared commitment among various stakeholders towards advancing a more inclusive and compassionate national agenda, as corporations, civil servants and local communities join forces to strengthen education in selected schools across the country.
"This collaboration goes beyond CSR. We are talking about compassion when they take on the responsibility to build this nation together and ensure that no one is left behind.
"There is no point in talking purely about impressive growth and investment figures if we choose to neglect the poor and the marginalised.
"We want to see large companies going to schools, engaging with students, introducing themselves, and inspiring these young minds with the meaning of success and how education can change their lives.
"This, to me, is a remarkable feat, and could only happen with the full support of ministries, particularly the Education Ministry, the Public Service Department and our committed teachers," he said in his keynote address during the launch of the initiative today.
Present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The initiative is a continuation of the government's commitment to driving a whole-of-nation approach to narrow the education gap.
The initiative focuses on five core pillars, namely improving school infrastructure and facilities; academic and student mentoring programmes; teacher training and professional development; financial aid and scholarships; as well as character-building and skills development initiatives.
To date, around 1,000 schools nationwide have been selected to participate in the programme, with the involvement and support of 32 private companies, 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and GLICs, 29 government agencies, and 27 companies owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated).
The initiative is also being implemented in collaboration with the Education Ministry, alongside the Finance Ministry, focusing on addressing fundamental school needs such as toilet repairs, provision of science labs, academic mentoring, and student character development.
Anwar said the original concept began with Kampung Angkat Madani, which provided funding of up to RM100,000 for each village.
The concept was later expanded to schools, following an overwhelming response from corporate and GLC stakeholders, he said.
"From the initial 300 schools, we increased the number to 500. Now, we have managed to reach over 1,000 schools, thanks to the encouraging response from many large, responsible companies.
"As such, I would like to thank the chief secretary (Shamsul Azri) and the teachers for embracing this initiative.
"Teachers have not only accepted it, but are also open and willing to adopt new approaches for the benefit of their students," he said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, urged corporate leaders who contribute to the initiative to personally visit their adopted schools at least twice a year to motivate and directly engage with the students.
"If chief executive officers and general managers come down, introduce themselves, and speak about their company's operations, the children will be inspired.
"We want students in rural schools to know that they, too, have the right to dream big," he said.
Anwar also acknowledged that educational challenges remain in remote areas, including issues related to basic facilities, student attendance, teacher availability, and infrastructure maintenance.
He expressed hope that close cooperation between the government, corporate sector, and communities could be strengthened to ensure no one is left behind in the national education development agenda.
"This is the true spirit of Madani. We build the nation not just with investment figures and profits, but with hearts full of responsibility and love for the future of our children."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
PM Anwar records his appreciation to Razarudin
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his service, contributions, and leadership during his tenure heading the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). In a Facebook post on Friday (June 20), Anwar stated that he conveyed this during a farewell courtesy call from Razarudin. "I pray that Tan Sri Razarudin continues to be blessed with good health and the strength to continue contributing to the nation in any capacity. Thank you for your very meaningful service to the people and the country," he said. Razarudin, who joined PDRM in 1982, was appointed as the 14th IGP for a two-year contract after his retirement, effective June 23, 2023, and will conclude his service this Sunday. Throughout his career, Razarudin held several important positions, including Head of Penang Criminal Investigation Department in 2016, Deputy Commissioner of Sabah Police (2016), Deputy Chief Police Officer of Perak (2018), Chief Police Officer of Perak (2019), Director of Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (2020), and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (2021). Earlier, Bukit Aman Special Branch Director Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail was appointed as the 15th IGP, replacing Razarudin, effective Friday.- Bernama
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Support structures needed to ensure mandatory schooling works, say advocates
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has lauded the Education Ministry's move to legislate mandatory schooling until a child reaches 17 years of age. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the initiative should be accompanied by a special programme for students who do not perform well academically. "They do not continue their education because they cannot keep up academically. "The Education Ministry should provide special learning centres focused on hands-on skills. "This would ensure that those falling behind in literacy and numeracy continue to see school as offering long-term benefits. "Vocational learning centres should be available for students as early as Form 1 in every state to support these learners," he said, speaking from his personal experience as a teacher. He said that despite financial hardships, children should not abandon their education to work, as education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (Page) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said schools should implement early intervention systems to identify at-risk students based on attendance, behaviour, and academic performance. There should be strong counselling and mentoring programmes in place, with close collaboration between families and community leaders, she added. The government should also introduce relevant, practical curriculum options such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for students less inclined toward academic tracks, along with support for mental health, learning disabilities, and socioeconomic challenges. Earlier, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030 to facilitate the expansion of preschool classes. Fadhlina said one of the ministry's special projects involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. Azimah said these initiatives align with global best practices and demonstrate the government's serious commitment to improving access to quality education for every child. "Early detection and support for children with special needs is also long overdue, without it, many children fall through the cracks and are never given a fair chance," she said. However, she added that some parents, especially in low-income or rural communities, may struggle to adapt to the government's new policies. "For them, sending a child to school means transportation costs, meals, uniforms, and a loss of potential income. "Therefore, comprehensive subsidies, such as free meals, transportation assistance, and preschool fee waivers, are essential," she said. It was reported that the amendments to the Education Act 1996 would be tabled in the parliament next month to make it compulsory for children to receive education until the age of 17. Under the existing policy, every parent of a citizen residing in Malaysia must ensure that their child receives six years of compulsory primary education.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Perlis forms task force to curb RM1.5m revenue leakage
KANGAR: A special task force led by Perlis state secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail has been formed to address revenue leakages related to the rental of state land and buildings. Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the task force is responsible for identifying and collecting data on premises and assets involved in the leakages, as well as coordinating actions to ensure that lost revenue can be recovered. 'Among the task force's early achievements is identifying revenue leakages involving four departments/agencies. Through these initial actions, the total leakage identified has reached RM1.5 million. '...with an estimated RM800,000 expected to be recovered by the end of 2025. This effort will continue to involve other departments,' he said during the monthly assembly of the state administration here today. Mohd Shukri said the task force is also in the process of preparing a Premises Usage Management Guideline, which has been reviewed by the State Legal Adviser's Office and is now being examined by the Perlis State Land and Mines Office (PTG) for feedback. Mohd Shukri said the task force was formed following a January audit committee meeting that called for immediate action to ensure rental income from state-owned properties collected by third parties is returned to the state. Issues related to the rental of state land and buildings include activities conducted without valid contracts or agreements, violations of existing regulations, encroachments on government-owned land and the rental of assets that do not provide reasonable returns to the state, he added. 'This situation not only causes revenue loss but also reflects non-compliance with the laws and regulations in place,' he said.
