The importance of life education in today’s education

UTAR organised Seminar Pendidikan Insaniah 2025 (Life Education Seminar 2025) on 9 and 10 May 2025 at its Kampar Campus. The seminar attracted 100 principals and counsellors from national (SMK), national-type (SMJK), and Chinese independent (SUWA) secondary schools across the country.

The event was organised with the support of The Office of the Deputy Minister of Education, Malaysia and sponsored by Fo Guang Shan Malaysia. It was co-organised by Majlis Pengetua Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah Conforming Malaysia, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Malaysia Central Chapter (Third) Teachers Association, Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang ‘Ai Xin’ Malaysia, and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor).

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Fo Guang Shan Malaysia Representative Venerable You Deng, Majlis Pengetua Sekolah-Sekolah Menengah Conforming Malaysia Chairperson Ms Lim Peck Poh, BLIA Malaysia Central Chapter (Third) Teachers Association Deputy President Ms Chen Chun Ping, Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang ‘Ai Xin’ Malaysia President Ms Chong Swee Chu and Secretary General Mr Ong Hock Leng, Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) Representatives Ms Chang Pou Yun and Ms Tan Hoon Kian, Organising Chairperson and Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tan Soon Aun, and speakers, among others.

In his welcome remarks, Prof Choong said, “The role of school counsellors is now more vital and demanding than ever. Students today face complex, interwoven challenges that often go beyond what’s visible on the surface. Counsellors not only support students’ growth but also empathise with their struggles, guide self-discovery, and help shape their life direction, acting as both companions and short-term guardians. This calls for ongoing professional growth, greater sensitivity, and stronger responsiveness to truly connect with students and offer the understanding and support they need. With broader vision and deeper insight, counsellors can provide meaningful emotional and developmental guidance, truly living out the ideal of ‘impacting lives with life’.”

“This workshop serves as a valuable platform for learning and exchange, helping counsellors deepen their understanding and practical ability in addressing key issues. From early intervention and prevention of bullying, to understanding the psychological impacts of social media, techniques for supporting career exploration, and fostering respect and boundaries in sex education—these are all pressing topics in today’s schools. They also represent important areas where counsellors can exert their professional influence,” he added.

One of the highlights of the seminar was a series of talks by four distinguished experts on key topics relevant to today’s school environment. These included Dr Alex Ng Wei Siong, a psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist, who spoke on How to Prevent School Bullying; Registered Counsellor Mr Tan Yong Chin, who addressed The Application and Psychological Impact of Social Media; Ms Chang, a certified sexuality education instructor with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Sexology, who explored Gender Boundaries in Interpersonal and Sexuality Education; and Ms Tan, a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), who presented on Career Planning and Exploration. In addition to delivering lively presentations, the speakers interacted enthusiastically with the participants, helping them gain a deeper understanding and reflect more meaningfully on the topics discussed.

Another key activity was the curriculum creation session which covered up to 25 life education-related themes, including symbiosis of life, empathy, the tree of life, self-discipline and autonomy, perspectives on life and death, living in the present, social media and interpersonal relationships, and the value of life in an intelligent society, to name a few. Participants engaged actively during the session, exchanging ideas and insights, and greatly benefiting from the interactive discussion.

The two-day workshop featured sharing sessions, panel discussions, group activities, and outcome presentations, allowing participants to engage in immersive learning, mutual exchange, and inspiration. Additionally, Venerable You Deng conducted a mindfulness breathing practice session, enabling participants to learn techniques for enhancing focus and calming the mind.

In his closing remarks, Dr Tan expressed gratitude to all the supporting organisations, speakers and participants. He especially thanked Fo Guang Shan for its generous sponsorship, as well as the invaluable support from the Office of the Deputy Minister of Education, Malaysia.

The life education seminar proved to be immensely beneficial for all participants. Beyond gaining deeper insights into current educational issues and challenges, principals and counsellors have acquired practical strategies to more effectively integrate life education into school governance and student guidance. This transformative experience is expected to enhance their professional approaches and foster holistic student development.