Life Education Training inspires Selangor educators

The Life Education Training Course was held on 14 October 2024, at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

The event, organised by the Selangor State Education Department with support from the Selangor Division of the National Union of Heads of Schools and UTAR, received backing from several associations, including BLIA Malaysia Central Chapter (Third), Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang 'Ai Xin' Malaysia, the Malaysia Secondary School Chinese Language Teachers Association, and the Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor). Sponsored by Fo Guang Shan Malaysia, the training course attracted 200 principals and counsellors from Chinese schools across nine districts in Selangor.

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, National Union of Heads of Schools Ms Chuah Soo Cheng, Selangor State Education Department Assistant Director Mr Ng Kok Soon, Selangor State Education Department Pre-school and Primary School Unit Assistant Director Ms Lee Peck Hong, and Selangor State Education Department Language Unit Assistant Director Ms Beh Siok Kun, among others.

Prof Dato’ Ewe welcomed the principals, counsellors, and educators at the opening ceremony, emphasising the importance of integrating life education into the school curriculum. He expressed gratitude to the organisers and highlighted the themes covered, such as self-care, empathy, gratitude, and anti-bullying. In addition, he stressed that educators play a crucial role in guiding students’ emotional and moral development. According to him, the training course, supported by experienced speakers, aimed to equip educators with the knowledge to foster students’ appreciation for life, empathy, and responsibility.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering a speech

The course included valuable presentations from respected speakers, such as registered counsellor Mr Tan Yong Chin, who gave a keynote speech on Life Education, and Ms Chang Pou Yun, who led a session on addressing school bullying. Other sessions were conducted by educator Ms Chang Pou Yun, registered counsellor Ms Wong Ooi Ping, and Society for Scientific Study of Sexuality (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) President Ms Tee Chin San and Vice President Ms Tan Hoon Kian. They facilitated discussions on Self-Care, Emotional Awareness, Life Appreciation, and Gender Relations. Through interactive sessions, participants developed a stronger understanding of life education’s core values.

Ms Chuan, representing the National Union of Heads of Schools, delivered the closing remark. She expressed her gratitude to the Selangor State Education Department for their support and to UTAR for hosting the event. In her speech, Ms Chuan reflected on the training’s impact, emphasising its importance for both educators and students. She concluded with an inspiring message, saying, “Let us ensure that students and teachers are contented, schools continue to become exceptional, and the country continues to thrive. Together, we succeed for the sake of our beloved Malaysia.”

Dr Rashidah Begum binti Gelamdin, Chief Assistant Director of the Selangor State Education Department and representative for Director Dr Jafri bin Abu, expressed gratitude to the organisers and shared reflections from her teaching career. Citing a specific example, she emphasised the importance of understanding students’ backgrounds instead of labelling them. Dr Rashidah hoped participants gained meaningful insights from the training and officially marked the event’s successful conclusion.

The training course was a resounding success, equipping educators with valuable knowledge and tools to foster a nurturing environment for students’ mental and emotional development.

Ms Chuah

Dr Rashidah

Mr Tan

Mr Tan (blue shirt) interacting with participants

Ms Chang delivering a talk

From top left, clockwise: Ms Tee, Ms Tan, Ms Chang and Ms Wong

Front row, from left: Ms Beh, Mr Goh, Centre for Curriculum Development and Innovation Head Dr Ngeow Yeok Meng, Dr Rashidah, Ms Chuah, Department of Student Affairs (Sungai Long Campus) Head Ms Loh Nyuk Leung and Ms Lee