Sarawak, 21-22 November 2024 – The President of PPIS (NGO) and Chartered President of Lions Club Kuching Unity, Manjeet Sidhu, played a pivotal role in the National Education Reform Regional Workshop Sarawak, held at the Academy of Science Malaysia. This two-day event brought together key stakeholders to evaluate and address the challenges and opportunities within Malaysia’s education system.
Breaking Down the Workshop Discussions
During Breakout Session 1: Understanding the National Education Landscape, Manjeet Sidhu actively engaged in discussions focusing on core values, social inclusivity, and sustainable practices.
- Strengths Identified:
- The Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan (FPK) promotes family and community values in education.
- Active support for environmental values by local bodies such as JPNS and PPD.
- Assistance programs including scholarships, uniforms, and transportation aid help bridge the gap for underprivileged students.
- Challenges Highlighted:
- Overemphasis on academic achievements and KPIs often overshadows core values.
- Persistent stigma surrounding special needs students hinders inclusivity.
- Delivery of aid and lack of empathetic teachers remain significant barriers.
- Opportunities for Change:
- Establishing Special Needs Hubs to provide tailored expertise for students with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
- Linking education to parenting skills through collaborations with agencies like Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat.
- Integrating global innovation and environmental education into school curriculums.
- Fostering unity through multicultural education programs.
Focus on Early Intervention and Rural Education
Manjeet stressed the importance of early detection for children with learning disabilities through professional diagnosis at playschools. This approach ensures students are equipped with foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic (3M) before entering primary school.
She also advocated for rural children to be prioritized in Malaysia’s education system, ensuring equitable access to quality learning. “A holistic approach is crucial to balance the educational disparities,” she emphasized.
Path Forward for Malaysian Education
Discussions during the workshop were structured around six key focus areas: Core Values, Strategic Investments, Curriculum, Skills & Competencies, Lifelong Learning, and Governance. These topics covered the education continuum from early childhood care to workforce development.
Manjeet Sidhu’s participation underscored the urgency of reforming the education system to be inclusive, empathetic, and aligned with Malaysia’s multicultural aspirations.
