By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 15: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has reiterated the importance of educational reform starting from the most fundamental unit in schools, the classroom.
Speaking at the 54th National Teacher’s Day Awards Ceremony held at the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre (HEEC) here today, Fadhlina said meaningful changes in the education system must start with how teachers engage with students and conduct lessons in their classrooms, rather than relying solely on top-down policy changes.
“When we speak of school reform, there is no place more suitable or impactful than at the classroom level. It is the smallest yet most fundamental unit of a school, where direct influence on students’ learning takes place,” she said.
She stressed that reform is not only about large-scale policy discussions but also about how teachers engage with students on a daily basis, an approach she described as essential to achieving real impact in education.
The ceremony honoured teachers who had demonstrated excellence in their roles.
Fadhlina expressed personal admiration for many of the award recipients and revealed that she had even requested additional awards be created to recognise more educators deserving of appreciation.
“To the award recipients, may you continue to be an inspiration to your fellow educators. Some of these awards I personally asked to be added because I truly felt these teachers deserved recognition,” she said.
She also announced that more award categories will be unveiled the following day to acknowledge outstanding educators who have made a significant difference.
Fadhlina extended her gratitude to corporate sponsors and community partners involved in supporting the Teacher’s Day excellence awards, describing such contributions as a step toward elevating the status of the teaching profession and the education system as a whole.
Reflecting on her own experience as a mother preparing gifts for Teacher’s Day, Fadhlina shared a light-hearted moment, noting how her role had changed since becoming a minister.
“Previously, my children only asked for a gift for one teacher. Now, as a minister, it feels like I’m preparing gifts for an entire school!” she joked, adding that Teacher’s Day has always been a moment of sincere appreciation shared by students, parents, and communities alike.
She concluded by thanking all teachers for their tireless dedication and sacrifices, which she said are immeasurable and deeply valued.
“Thank you, teachers, for educating with sincerity and for all the sacrifices you’ve made, sacrifices that are sometimes impossible to repay. May God reward you in this life and the hereafter.”
More than 100 teachers from across the country were honoured at the ceremony, receiving awards such as the ‘Anugerah Pendidikan Khas’, ‘Anugerah Guru Inovatif’, ‘Anugerah Guru Ikon’, ‘Anugerah Guru Berwibawa’, ‘Anugerah Khas Bitara Bahasa’, and the ‘Anugerah Khas Menteri Pendidikan’.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and officials, including Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. — DayakDaily
