Empowering educators for optimal well-being and leadership

Organised by the UTAR Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD), a training programme titled Cultivating Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: Empowering Educators for Optimal Well-Being and Leadership was conducted for Kuen Cheng High School and Kuen Cheng Kindergarten staff from 7 to 11 February 2025 at Bangi Resort Hotel. The comprehensive programme aimed to equip educators with essential skills in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and effective communication to enhance their well-being and professional effectiveness.

The training was divided into two sessions catering to different educator groups. The first session, from 7 to 9 February 2025, targeted the management team and support staff of Kuen Cheng High School, while the second, from 9 to 11 February 2025, focused on kindergarten teachers and support staff of Kuen Cheng Kindergarten. A total of 104 educators participated in the programme, benefiting from insightful modules conducted by distinguished trainers.

Recognising the increasing stress levels among educators, the first module provided participants with essential mindfulness techniques to promote resilience and mental clarity. Through interactive exercises and discussions, teachers explored topics such as understanding stress, the impact of multitasking, the science behind mindfulness, and practical applications in daily life. Key takeaways included the S.T.O.P. technique and the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, which help individuals manage stress and stay present in the moment. Department of Student Affairs (UTAR Kampar Campus) Centre for Healthy Minds & Wellbeing Manager Mr Ng Foo Yek, the lead trainer for this module, shared his extensive expertise in mindfulness-based practices, helping participants cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation strategies.

The second module focused on enhancing teamwork, emotional intelligence (EQ), and motivation among educators. Participants were introduced to the DISC personality profiling system, helping them understand different communication styles and improve workplace interactions. Engaging role-plays and group discussions facilitated deeper insights into team dynamics, conflict resolution, and motivation strategies for a positive teaching environment. This module was conducted by a team of esteemed trainers, including Vitrox College academic Ir Dr Lim Chong Hooi and UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology academic Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Toh Pey Yi, who brought their expertise in leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence to the programme.

Throughout the training, participants actively engaged in self-reflection, skill-building activities, and collaborative learning. Many educators expressed appreciation for the opportunity to explore mindfulness techniques and gain valuable insights into managing classroom challenges more effectively.

“The training was an eye-opener. Learning how to manage stress through mindfulness and understanding emotional intelligence will help me become a better educator,” shared one participant.

By equipping educators with these essential skills, Kuen Cheng High School and Kuen Cheng Kindergarten reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a supportive and well-balanced teaching environment. The success of the programme highlighted the importance of continuous professional development in enhancing both educator well-being and student outcomes.

As Kuen Cheng High School and Kuen Cheng Kindergarten continue their journey toward holistic education, the insights gained from this training will undoubtedly contribute to a more mindful and emotionally intelligent teaching community.