BINTANGOR: Members of the academic community, particularly teacher training institutions, must always be prepared, innovative, and capable of adapting to changes in the national education landscape in line with the implementation of the 2027 School Curriculum and the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035.

Meradong Assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing said such preparedness is crucial to ensure educational institutions remain relevant in addressing the challenges of Education 4.0.

“This effort is also important in producing trainee teachers who are competent, relevant, and globally competitive,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the Teachers’ Day Dinner organised by the 2026/2028 Lecturers’ Club of the Rajang Campus Teacher Education Institute (IPG) at Paramount Hotel Sibu on Saturday.

In another development, Datuk Ding noted that IPG Rajang Campus holds its own unique history as a symbol of international cooperation through the Colombo Plan between Malaysia and New Zealand since 1966.

He said the values of excellence, quality, and resilience synonymous with the “New Zealand” spirit should continue to be strengthened in line with the slogan “Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban” in efforts to reinforce teacher education institutions in the state.

“IPG Campus is not only a legacy of excellence along the banks of the Rajang River, but also plays an important role in producing quality teachers who excel in pedagogy, possess strong character, and are capable of becoming role models for society,” he said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that this year’s Teachers’ Day theme, “Outstanding Teachers, Pulse of the Nation,” carries a significant message regarding the role of teachers, who are not merely conveyors of knowledge but also exemplary figures in terms of leadership by example, professionalism, and integrity as the main drivers of the nation’s education system. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng