PENANG, 2 March 2026 – On Friday morning, 27 February 2026, the USAINS@USM> team had the privilege of attending the second monthly assembly of the Penang State Education Department (Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang).

As a teacher educator at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and formerly part of the school system, the session resonated deeply with me at both professional and personal levels.

It marked my second engagement with the Penang State Education Director and our first meeting for the year.

Although the gathering was primarily an internal assembly involving officers, principals, teachers, and students, it provided more than an administrative update.

From my vantage point as both an academic and former practitioner, it offered a valuable window into the leadership philosophy, operational discipline, and strategic direction shaping Penang’s education ecosystem.

The experience allowed me to reflect not only on policy and systems, but also on how leadership values are translated into everyday school realities.

Also present were members of the senior management team of the Penang State Education Department; Farid Wajidi, Group Managing Director of USAINS; members of the USAINS’ Young Scientist Programme (YSP 2025) team; education officers, school principals, teachers, and students relevant to the day’s programme.

The presence of these stakeholders reflected a unified commitment towards strengthening educational delivery through collaboration and shared accountability.

Celebrating Achievement and Inclusivity

Our presence was partly in recognition of the impact generated through the YSP 2025, an initiative under USAINS@USM community outreach efforts.

The programme recently gained international prominence when SMK Tun Hussein Onn, Penang secured a gold medal at the Tokyo World Science Castle Competition organised by Leave a Nest.

This achievement stands as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when structured mentorship, sustained scientific inquiry, and strong school commitment converge.

Over nine months of intensive coaching and mentoring by USAINS and the BORG Team from the School of Biological Sciences at USM, students were guided through systematic research development, critical thinking processes, and competition readiness.

It was therefore especially encouraging to see how this accomplishment was incorporated into the broader success narrative championed by the state education leadership.

The assembly was thoughtfully structured and full of meaningful content. One segment featured a short reflection from a ‘Hadith’ that focused on character-building and moral development.

This was followed by a book review session on autism from a book by Sarah Cobbe, highlighting inclusivity and the importance of understanding neurodiversity in schools.

These sessions emphasised that educational excellence goes beyond academic achievement to include values, empathy, discipline, and the holistic growth of students.

Leadership Philosophy: Trust, Confidence, and Success

In his address, the Director, Tuan Haji Mohamad Dziauddin Mat Saad, spoke compellingly about the link between “Trust and Achievement”.

He highlighted that confidence is a cornerstone of success and must be actively nurtured at every level among students, teachers, and administrators alike. Belief in one’s capabilities directly influences outcomes.

Educational leaders therefore carry the responsibility of cultivating that belief through recognition, encouragement, and visible appreciation of positive conduct.

Respect for elders, spontaneous acts of courtesy and disciplined behaviour were highlighted as qualities that must be acknowledged and celebrated as part of forming civil and ethical individuals envisioned in Malaysia’s Education Development Plan.

A central theme of the morning was the deliberate construction of a success narrative. Schools, district education offices, and the state department must collectively highlight strengths rather than focus solely on shortcomings.

Visits to schools, the Director noted, should not occur only when problems arise. They should also serve to recognise achievement and reinforce morale. Celebrating success builds confidence, and confidence in turn drives further success.

The Director also highlighted the importance of resilience and communication skills among students.

In a dynamic and increasingly competitive educational landscape, adaptability and emotional strength are essential attributes.

While acknowledging that mistakes are part of growth, he stressed the importance of structured systems that prevent repeated setbacks through early planning and timely intervention. Prevention, he noted, is always more effective than correction.

Operational Discipline and Forward Planning

From an organisational perspective, the department demonstrated remarkable efficiency and strong operational discipline, particularly in managing financial formalities.

Processes are well-coordinated, and early planning across all sectors ensures that emerging challenges are addressed effectively.

Dedicated coordination rooms in district education offices provide timely guidance and support, enabling the department to respond proactively to any needs.

A current focus is managing enrolment trends. The Year One cohort, previously stood at approximately 19,000 students, has grown to over 33,000 as the intake formally welcomes a new shift, introducing early entry to Year One for the first time.

Careful forecasting and planning are essential to accommodate this increase. To date, approximately 15,000 registrations have been completed, with registration closing on 31 March 2026.

Advisory counters have been established to guide parents regarding entry options for 2027 and 2028, reflecting a forward looking and preventive approach to school management.

Inclusive education continues to be a key priority in Penang. Special education facilities are regularly upgraded to ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility for all students.

Every school in the state now incorporates infrastructure that supports students with disabilities, including ramps, handrails, designated parking spaces, and accessible restrooms seamlessly integrated into the school environment.

Providing meaningful access is regarded not as an afterthought but as a fundamental responsibility of the education system.

Throughout the session, the recurring message was clear. Confidence builds achievement, and achievement must be recognised.

The Director highlighted the importance of celebrating success, especially in promoting STEM education, and expressed sincere appreciation for schools demonstrating excellence.

This emphasis on recognition reinforces a strong institutional culture and resonates closely with USAINS@USM commitment towards empowering schools through structured programmes, sustained engagement, and the cultivation of scientific curiosity.

For the USAINS@USM team, the morning was both affirming and enlightening.

Being acknowledged within the state’s broader narrative of educational success, particularly in relation to USAINS’ YSP 2026, was deeply encouraging.

More importantly, the experience reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and the school system.

Educational transformation thrives on shared vision, disciplined systems, and leadership that values both performance and character.

The morning provided more than an update on administrative matters.

For me, as a teacher educator, it was especially rewarding to see leadership in action while reconnecting with former students who now hold important roles within the state education system.

The session highlighted the impact of confidence, organisation, and recognition in driving success.

It was a meaningful and inspiring engagement that reaffirmed the principle that when systems are strong and people are valued, excellence naturally follows.

Text: Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, · Head of Education, USAINS & Senior (Hon.) Assoc. Professor of Education, School of Educational Studies, USM