Wednesday July 30, 2008
Differences in criteria set by the Education Ministry for teaching graduates from public universities and teacher training institutes have caused disinterest in future applicants and those presently studying for their undergraduate degrees in education.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this included teaching graduates needing to obtain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.75 before they can sit for a test and interview to become teachers.
“Those from teacher training institutes are placed in schools straight away,” he said in his speech yesterday at the launch of the university and cluster schools network read by his deputy Datuk Idris Haron.
He said teaching graduates from public universities had met the conditions to graduate but the ministry’s requirement was that those who obtained a CGPA of less than 2.75 were not qualified.
Mohamed Khaled said public university lecturers felt that the teacher selection process seemed to reject the education and training provided by experienced lecturers at the universities’ education faculties.
Speaking at a joint press conference later, Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong, who represented Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at the function, said this was a technical problem, which could be ironed out at the ministry’s joint committee meeting.
Earlier in Johor Baru, Dr Wee said numerous efforts have been taken by the Education Ministry to raise the leadership capabilities of school principals.
This included leadership and management training to ensure their proficiency in leading the students to success, he said at the opening ceremony of a convention attended by 870 secondary school principals.
Dr Wee urged principals to be role models for students with their leadership capability.
TS
July 29, 2008
July 19, 2008
Education Ministry invites public for discussions
Sunday July 20, 2008
The public has been invited to contact the Education Ministry to participate in a discussion on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English at the end of August.
Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said members of the public could e-mail him at alimuddin.dom@moe.gov.my if they wanted to attend.
“They can also e-mail me their views on the policy,” he told reporters after the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Alimuddin said the first in a series of roundtable discussions on the policy was held from Monday to Wednesday, adding that it comprised public university vice-chancellors, researchers and representatives from the Council of School Principals and Headmasters.
“After our discussion, we found that students’ achievements and the teaching in rural schools have to be improved when compared with urban schools,” he said.
He said suggestions were also made to further improve teachers’ competencies, facilities and support programmes.
The discussion at the end of August would also involve parent-teacher associations, school management committees, non-governmental organisations and teacher unions.
The ministry, he added, would hold another roundtable discussion in September for politicians.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had earlier announced that a decision on whether Science and Mathematics would continue to be taught in English would be made after the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) results were released at the end of the year.
The policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English was implemented in phases, starting with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.
Hishammuddin also clarified misconceptions that a decision on whether to continue using English as the medium of instruction would be based on this year’s UPSR results.
He said the decision would not be based on the UPSR results but that the ministry was only announcing the decision after the results were out as it needed time to go through more roundtable discussions.
TS
The public has been invited to contact the Education Ministry to participate in a discussion on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English at the end of August.
Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said members of the public could e-mail him at alimuddin.dom@moe.gov.my if they wanted to attend.
“They can also e-mail me their views on the policy,” he told reporters after the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting on Friday.
Alimuddin said the first in a series of roundtable discussions on the policy was held from Monday to Wednesday, adding that it comprised public university vice-chancellors, researchers and representatives from the Council of School Principals and Headmasters.
“After our discussion, we found that students’ achievements and the teaching in rural schools have to be improved when compared with urban schools,” he said.
He said suggestions were also made to further improve teachers’ competencies, facilities and support programmes.
The discussion at the end of August would also involve parent-teacher associations, school management committees, non-governmental organisations and teacher unions.
The ministry, he added, would hold another roundtable discussion in September for politicians.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had earlier announced that a decision on whether Science and Mathematics would continue to be taught in English would be made after the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) results were released at the end of the year.
The policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English was implemented in phases, starting with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.
Hishammuddin also clarified misconceptions that a decision on whether to continue using English as the medium of instruction would be based on this year’s UPSR results.
He said the decision would not be based on the UPSR results but that the ministry was only announcing the decision after the results were out as it needed time to go through more roundtable discussions.
TS
July 15, 2008
Award grants to all SPM top scorers
2008/07/15
Award grants to all SPM top scorers
Be fair to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia top scorers regardless of race, religion or gender if scholarships are to be automatically awarded to them.
This was the response from Umno Youth yesterday to the announcement that beginning this year, all Indian students who scored 9As and above in their SPM would get government scholarships to pursue their studies in government universities and four local private universities.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam had said the decision to give the scholarships was made on July 1 at the first meeting of the Special Committee for Indian Related Affairs, formed under the directive of the cabinet and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Umno Youth education bureau chief Ahmad Ikmal Ismail said the awarding of scholarships should not be slanted towards a particular race and the 9As criterion should be a universal one.
"If the government wants to use 9As as the main academic requirement, then make sure it applies to all races."
He said the matter should be studied and implemented properly as it may strain the government's finances.
"If 5,000 students score 9As and above, is the government going to award them all?"
Ahmad Ikmal said the Public Service Department should also consider the family background and geographical factors before awarding a scholarship.
He also suggested that the top 50 SPM achievers be automatically awarded government scholarships to pursue a course of their choice to ensure that the best brains in the country were rewarded.
MCA Youth education bureau chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also Deputy Education Minister, meanwhile said the decision to give scholarships for those who score 9As and above in their SPM applies to all.
"This is blanket approval given by the government to recognise the students' hard work.
"MCA Youth welcomes this move," he said.
ST
Award grants to all SPM top scorers
Be fair to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia top scorers regardless of race, religion or gender if scholarships are to be automatically awarded to them.
This was the response from Umno Youth yesterday to the announcement that beginning this year, all Indian students who scored 9As and above in their SPM would get government scholarships to pursue their studies in government universities and four local private universities.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam had said the decision to give the scholarships was made on July 1 at the first meeting of the Special Committee for Indian Related Affairs, formed under the directive of the cabinet and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Umno Youth education bureau chief Ahmad Ikmal Ismail said the awarding of scholarships should not be slanted towards a particular race and the 9As criterion should be a universal one.
"If the government wants to use 9As as the main academic requirement, then make sure it applies to all races."
He said the matter should be studied and implemented properly as it may strain the government's finances.
"If 5,000 students score 9As and above, is the government going to award them all?"
Ahmad Ikmal said the Public Service Department should also consider the family background and geographical factors before awarding a scholarship.
He also suggested that the top 50 SPM achievers be automatically awarded government scholarships to pursue a course of their choice to ensure that the best brains in the country were rewarded.
MCA Youth education bureau chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also Deputy Education Minister, meanwhile said the decision to give scholarships for those who score 9As and above in their SPM applies to all.
"This is blanket approval given by the government to recognise the students' hard work.
"MCA Youth welcomes this move," he said.
ST
More experts needed for Islamic finance sector
2008/06/13
More experts needed for Islamic finance sector
KUALA LUMPUR: More professionals are needed to meet the demand of the global Islamic finance sector, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the growth in the industry had created demand for professionals who were well versed in syariah and current issues.
"We need an adequate supply to support the growth as only 745 professionals have majored in Islamic finance," he said at the launch of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance master's programme here yesterday.
Present were Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz and the centre's governing council chairman, Dr Rozali Mohamed Ali.
Khaled said the bank projected that 11,600 professionals in Islamic finance were needed by 2010.
He said it was heartening that the centre would produce Islamic finance graduates who would cater to the domestic and international markets.
He added that the centre had a potential to become the national centre of excellence in Islamic banking and finance besides becoming an education hub.
The centre, established by the bank in 2006, is the only education centre in the world dedicated to Islamic banking and finance and offers a Master in Islamic Finance degree.
Rozali said the University of Reading in the United Kingdom would launch a master's degree programme in Investment Banking and Islamic Finance in August as part of their collaboration.
It will be one of the first degrees in the UK with Islamic-based syllabus taught by Islamic finance specialists from both universities.
Khaled said university placement results for Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia holders would be announced next week.
More experts needed for Islamic finance sector
KUALA LUMPUR: More professionals are needed to meet the demand of the global Islamic finance sector, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the growth in the industry had created demand for professionals who were well versed in syariah and current issues.
"We need an adequate supply to support the growth as only 745 professionals have majored in Islamic finance," he said at the launch of the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance master's programme here yesterday.
Present were Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz and the centre's governing council chairman, Dr Rozali Mohamed Ali.
Khaled said the bank projected that 11,600 professionals in Islamic finance were needed by 2010.
He said it was heartening that the centre would produce Islamic finance graduates who would cater to the domestic and international markets.
He added that the centre had a potential to become the national centre of excellence in Islamic banking and finance besides becoming an education hub.
The centre, established by the bank in 2006, is the only education centre in the world dedicated to Islamic banking and finance and offers a Master in Islamic Finance degree.
Rozali said the University of Reading in the United Kingdom would launch a master's degree programme in Investment Banking and Islamic Finance in August as part of their collaboration.
It will be one of the first degrees in the UK with Islamic-based syllabus taught by Islamic finance specialists from both universities.
Khaled said university placement results for Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia holders would be announced next week.
Acing the SPM with F4F5
Tuesday July 15, 2008
Acing the SPM with F4F5
Concise, interesting and timely – these were some of the comments of Form Five students and teachers who eagerly welcomed the bumped up F4F5, which included 16 extra pages for the SPM series.
The Star's Science and Maths pullout for upper secondary students is now 56 pages.
There was a flurry of activity at SMK Seksyen 10, Kota Damansara, when the F4F5 pullouts were distributed in class.
"I find this an interesting Maths and Science guide, different from the typical wordy learning resource. The many colourful images and visuals make me want to read the notes and try out the activities," said Katherine Kavitha.
Eager to learn: SMK Seksyen 10 students looking at a copy of the F4F5 in Kota Damansara Monday.
Her classmate, Ahmad Zamril, was equally enthusiastic. "It is an interesting learning resource. I like the images, mind maps and short notes. They help me understand Science and Maths subjects better."
The school's Science panel head Shaista Tabassum said she had been using the F4F5 in her Forms Four and Five classes.
"The inclusion of 'frequent mistakes' by students as well as 'tutor's comments' serve to reinforce their understanding."
SMK Seksyen 24 (2) Shah Alam Science and Maths coordinator Habibah Rakiman was impressed with the SPM Guide.
"It's not only good revision material for better students but also a useful guide for weaker ones."
Students preparing for the SPM examination will find the pullout a must-have revision tool because included are "hot" exam questions and sample answers in Physics, Biology, Modern Mathematics, Chemistry, General Science and Additional Mathematics.
The Star's SPM Series will not be published in StarEducation. Instead, our columnists Sunny Yee (Physics and Additional Maths) and A. Alagesan (Chemistry), together with other Science and Maths specialists will contribute to this special six-edition SPM series, which began yesterday and will continue till Oct 13. The other writers are Mallika Vasugi, Alicia Tan and Felicia Puri.
Published twice a month, F4F5, for Forms Four and Five, offers Physics, Biology and Modern Mathematics on the second Monday of the month and Chemistry, General Science and Add Maths on the fourth Monday.
F4F5 is distributed free to schools that buy The Star at a special discounted price. Orders are by school subscription only.
For further details and orders of F4F5, call the Customer Care Unit at 03-79671777 (direct line) or 03-79671388, ext 1152 or 1160 from 9am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays.
TS
Acing the SPM with F4F5
Concise, interesting and timely – these were some of the comments of Form Five students and teachers who eagerly welcomed the bumped up F4F5, which included 16 extra pages for the SPM series.
The Star's Science and Maths pullout for upper secondary students is now 56 pages.
There was a flurry of activity at SMK Seksyen 10, Kota Damansara, when the F4F5 pullouts were distributed in class.
"I find this an interesting Maths and Science guide, different from the typical wordy learning resource. The many colourful images and visuals make me want to read the notes and try out the activities," said Katherine Kavitha.
Eager to learn: SMK Seksyen 10 students looking at a copy of the F4F5 in Kota Damansara Monday.
Her classmate, Ahmad Zamril, was equally enthusiastic. "It is an interesting learning resource. I like the images, mind maps and short notes. They help me understand Science and Maths subjects better."
The school's Science panel head Shaista Tabassum said she had been using the F4F5 in her Forms Four and Five classes.
"The inclusion of 'frequent mistakes' by students as well as 'tutor's comments' serve to reinforce their understanding."
SMK Seksyen 24 (2) Shah Alam Science and Maths coordinator Habibah Rakiman was impressed with the SPM Guide.
"It's not only good revision material for better students but also a useful guide for weaker ones."
Students preparing for the SPM examination will find the pullout a must-have revision tool because included are "hot" exam questions and sample answers in Physics, Biology, Modern Mathematics, Chemistry, General Science and Additional Mathematics.
The Star's SPM Series will not be published in StarEducation. Instead, our columnists Sunny Yee (Physics and Additional Maths) and A. Alagesan (Chemistry), together with other Science and Maths specialists will contribute to this special six-edition SPM series, which began yesterday and will continue till Oct 13. The other writers are Mallika Vasugi, Alicia Tan and Felicia Puri.
Published twice a month, F4F5, for Forms Four and Five, offers Physics, Biology and Modern Mathematics on the second Monday of the month and Chemistry, General Science and Add Maths on the fourth Monday.
F4F5 is distributed free to schools that buy The Star at a special discounted price. Orders are by school subscription only.
For further details and orders of F4F5, call the Customer Care Unit at 03-79671777 (direct line) or 03-79671388, ext 1152 or 1160 from 9am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays.
TS
Students can check appeal status
Tuesday July 15, 2008
Students can check appeal status
PETALING JAYA: Candidates who failed to get places in public universities can now check the status of their appeal.
The Higher Education Ministry said in a statement that STPM and equivalent holders could go to www.mohe.gov.my or call 03-8883 5858 and 03-8883 5848.
Successful candidates can print their offer letters and register at their respective institutions.
The ministry said it had never appointed a third party to handle appeals from candidates who failed to gain a place in university for the 2008/2009 academic year.
"Everything is handled by the Student Admissions Management Division of the Higher Education Department," the statement said.
Candidates who do not receive offers by July 31 are deemed to have failed in their appeals.
TS
Students can check appeal status
PETALING JAYA: Candidates who failed to get places in public universities can now check the status of their appeal.
The Higher Education Ministry said in a statement that STPM and equivalent holders could go to www.mohe.gov.my or call 03-8883 5858 and 03-8883 5848.
Successful candidates can print their offer letters and register at their respective institutions.
The ministry said it had never appointed a third party to handle appeals from candidates who failed to gain a place in university for the 2008/2009 academic year.
"Everything is handled by the Student Admissions Management Division of the Higher Education Department," the statement said.
Candidates who do not receive offers by July 31 are deemed to have failed in their appeals.
TS
July 11, 2008
Four students get Singapore scholarship
2008/07/12
Four students get Singapore scholarship
The 19-year-old couldn't suppress a happy grin as he received his Singapore Scholarship Award from the High Commissioner yesterday.
Mithran Vythinathan scored four As in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination.
But his dream of becoming an engineer was nearly not fulfilled because he could not get a scholarship.
His elated mother Malligarani Nadason said they had tried applying for so many scholarships, but were unsuccessful.
Mithran said: "I feel privileged to receive this scholarship. There are many who did well but are struggling to further their studies because their families are not well-off."
He will be studying mechanical engineering at the National University Of Singapore (NUS) and hopes to do a Masters before he comes home "to contribute to the development of the country".
Since the scholarship was first awarded in 1998, 447 students had received it, including 38 Malaysians.
The programme was set up by then prime minister Goh Chok Tong at the time of the Asian financial crisis to ensure good educational opportunities for students in Asean countries.
Three other Malaysians received scholarships from Singapore High Commissioner T. Jasudasen yesterday.
Elaine Wong and Foo Fang Hai will be studying accountancy at Singapore Management University.
Tan Zhong Lin will study Mathematics and Economics at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The four were selected not just because of their excellent academic results, but also their active participation in co-curricular activities and leadership qualities.
ST
Four students get Singapore scholarship
The 19-year-old couldn't suppress a happy grin as he received his Singapore Scholarship Award from the High Commissioner yesterday.
Mithran Vythinathan scored four As in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination.
But his dream of becoming an engineer was nearly not fulfilled because he could not get a scholarship.
His elated mother Malligarani Nadason said they had tried applying for so many scholarships, but were unsuccessful.
Mithran said: "I feel privileged to receive this scholarship. There are many who did well but are struggling to further their studies because their families are not well-off."
He will be studying mechanical engineering at the National University Of Singapore (NUS) and hopes to do a Masters before he comes home "to contribute to the development of the country".
Since the scholarship was first awarded in 1998, 447 students had received it, including 38 Malaysians.
The programme was set up by then prime minister Goh Chok Tong at the time of the Asian financial crisis to ensure good educational opportunities for students in Asean countries.
Three other Malaysians received scholarships from Singapore High Commissioner T. Jasudasen yesterday.
Elaine Wong and Foo Fang Hai will be studying accountancy at Singapore Management University.
Tan Zhong Lin will study Mathematics and Economics at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The four were selected not just because of their excellent academic results, but also their active participation in co-curricular activities and leadership qualities.
ST
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