The Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) and the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) from UTAR jointly organised a Professional Training for School Management and Development on 11 and 12 December 2023 at Heritage Hall, Kampar Campus.

The training saw more than 150 participants from Chung Hua High School, Seremban and Tsung Wah Private Secondary School, Kuala Kangsar.

UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Chung Hua High School Headmaster Dr Sua Sin Zang and Tsung Wah Private Secondary School Headmaster Mr Cheng Chee Wah were invited to officiate the opening ceremony of the training programme. Also present were IMLD Director Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation (CCDI) Head Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Department of Computer Science Head Assoc Prof Ts Dr Ooi Boon Yaik, Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Kuah Yoke Chin.

Prof Goi began his speech by welcoming all the guests from Chung Hua High School and Tsung Wah Private Secondary School. He mentioned, “The pandemic has caused tremendous changes in the original role and functions of the schools. Even if students are still the main body of teaching, and teachers’ enthusiasm and mentality for educating people remain unchanged, however, we must admit that teachers and schools are no longer the only sources of information and knowledge. We need to think about what kind of education children need today. This is a topic of greatest concern to the education sector. Knowledge of any subject has its content, connotation, meaning and theory. But knowledge of any subject is not just about expanding knowledge and intelligence. In addition to learning theory, what is more important is the spirit, values, methods, thoughts and experiences about life behind it. These thoughts and experiences are the foundation for the development of students’ literacy.”

He encouraged, “Teachers need to be self-motivated, receive professional training in a timely manner, engage in lifelong learning, and become self-reliant in order to become teachers in the innovation era. Through this training, I hope that all the teachers can share and exchange experiences freely, as well as explore how the changes of the times have brought advantages and challenges to the development of education. By gathering everyone’s strength and wisdom, let’s work together to create an environment that is conducive to student learning.”

“We look forward to seeing both schools have more collaboration with UTAR in the future and work together for the development of education,” he added.

Dr Sua thanked UTAR for the training arrangement and shared the intention of organising the training. He said, “Training is very important for teachers and staff so they can keep pace with time and improve their knowledge. One of the programmes in the training is related to the comparison of education systems. I believe this is very important for teachers to know more about the differences in the education system, and most importantly there are many related studies at UTAR. The UTAR experts in related fields can share with us their knowledge and experience. Therefore, I believe we have a lot of room for cooperation with UTAR and look forward to having more collaboration with UTAR in the future.”

Impressed by the scenery of UTAR Kampar Campus, Mr Cheng said, “We are happy to be able to attend this training session on this beautiful campus. Thank UTAR and the working committee for their preparation and arrangement. Education is the most important engine for social progress, and the role of the teacher is crucial. In the era of information explosion, teachers need to continue to learn, constantly enrich themselves, and expand their knowledge to cultivate more responsible and innovative students.”

The training started with a keynote speech by Dr Ooi, titled “The Impact of Technology on Education”. It was followed by another keynote speech titled “The Application of ChatGPT on Education”. 

It was followed by sharing sessions on “Comparison of education systems” and “Curriculum, Characteristics and SWOT Analysis of Chung Hua High School” by Dr Kuah; “Diverse K-12 Education of Malaysia” and “Curriculum, Characteristics and SWOT Analysis of Tsung Wah Private Secondary School” by Dr Ngeow; and “Educational Leadership for Administrators (Communication Skills and Time Management)” and “Administrators’ Roles in School Management - Objectives, Challenges, Outcome” by Prof Cheng. A sharing and reflection session was held for the teachers and staff to conclude the learning on the first day. It was conducted by Dr Kuah, Dr Ngeow and Prof Cheng.

On the next day, psychology talks were conducted by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Department of Psychology and Counselling lecturers. Ms Ho Sheau Huey presented talks titled “Finding Values in the Education Profession” and “Mindfulness and Mental Health” in Mandarin, whereas Ms Mabel Wong Keng Ying presented talks titled “Burning Bright, Not Out: Values of Educators” and “Mindfulness for Mental Health” in English.

The training included many other interesting activities, such as campus tours and team-building programmes, to name a few.