CIS Teacher Training Project by UTAR

UTAR hosted a virtual sharing session on Microsoft Teams, bringing together students and esteemed speakers to discuss career opportunities in Chinese Independent Schools (CIS) as part of the “CIS Teacher Training Project” (华文独中师培专案计划).

The session, organised with the support of the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), featured insights from Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua Port Dickson Principal Mr Chong Joon Kin, Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School Principal Dr Chung Chin Hing and Dong Zong Deputy Executive Director Mr Chen Ching Fong. The speakers provided valuable information on CIS and the teaching profession in CIS. Also in attendance were UTAR Centre for International Student Recruitment and Education Collaboration Director Mr Lee Choy Fong and Department of Scholarships and Financial Aid Head Ms Tan Wear Sim.

During the session, UTAR students actively engaged with the speakers, posing over ten questions on key topics such as teacher remuneration, benefits, career progression, and qualification requirements. The discussions provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the structured career path within CIS, including the option to pursue further studies while teaching.

The speakers emphasised that aspiring CIS teachers should possess a strong passion for education and dedication to student development. They encouraged students to proactively seek teaching opportunities by applying directly to schools with well-prepared resumes and cover letters in Chinese.

The event also reinforced UTAR’s commitment to nurturing future educators through its ongoing collaboration with Dong Zong. Under the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed in 2022, UTAR offers 15 full scholarships annually to CIS graduates who wish to join the teaching profession. Scholarship recipients are required to serve as teachers in CIS for a period of three to four years upon graduation.

The Virtual Sharing Session concluded on a motivating note, as speakers urged students to equip themselves with relevant educational training, psychology courses, and internships in CIS. They also encouraged students to stay connected with Dong Zong and seasoned educators to better prepare for a fulfilling teaching career.

The success of this session reaffirms UTAR’s dedication to supporting the CIS Teacher Training Project and fostering a new generation of passionate educators in Malaysia’s Chinese Independent School system.