‘Teachers’ job to realise transformation’

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(From left) Sing Yii delighted to receive the Gold Medal from Serina as Dr Ganakumaran looks on.

KUCHING: Educators have been reminded to ensure quality education for their charges, which also includes proficiency in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Highlighting this, Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said their efforts were essential in line with the transformation stipulated in Malaysia Education Blue-print 2013-2015.

“Let us move forward for the betterment of our young generation and the future of our beloved Malaysia,” she said in a text speech read by the state’s Education director Serina Sauni at the clos-ing of the ‘12th International Asia Teaching English as Foreign Language (TEFL) Conference’ and ‘23rd Melta International Conference’ held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yes-terday.

This event, Fatimah  pointed out, was an excellent platform for educationalists  to meet and discuss matters of great relevance to quality education.

“During these three  days, I believe that you  have had the opportunity  to engage in intellectual discussions and sharing of best practices.

“I am sure that you find the sessions beneficial and would adapt-and-adopt the strategies in your capacity as educationalists,” she added.

Some 1,400 delegates from Malaysia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, China, India, Indone-sia, Iran, Ireland,  Japan, Mongolia, Nigeria,  New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Taiwan and South Korea took part in this year’s conference, where a total of 55 papers were presented.

Fatimah also urged the delegates to explore and discover this city – and the state, for that matter – to experience its colourful diversity in people and cultures.

The event also witnessed  the presentation of Basil Wijasuriya Awards, of which Ng Sing Yii of SMK Green Road here earned the Gold Medal and RM500 for presenting the best paper.

Santhi Krishnan of St  Michael Secondary School in Ipoh, Perak bagged the Silver Medal and RM300, while  Sheela Faizura Nik Fauzi  of SMK Sebauh in Bintulu took home the Bronze Medal and RM200.

Each recipient also received a certificate.

Also attending were  Asia TEFL president  Prof Dr Lee Hyo-Woong and Melta president Assoc Prof Dr Ganakumaran Subramaniam, who also chaired both conferences.