PENANG, 14 November 2016 – In facing the challenges of 21^st century education, teachers need to change together with the curriculum and pedagogy, in how they fulfil their tasks and to be resilient, futuristic and having "world-view", and possessing higher-order and solid "world-class thinking".

The Dean of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Educational Studies (PPIP), Professor Dr. Hairul Nizam Ismail said this in his welcoming speech at the ‘Seminar Kebangsaan Majlis Dekan Pendidikan Universiti Awam 2016’ (National Seminar for Public University Council of Deans of Education 2016) with the theme ‘Guru Berkualiti Pencetus Pendidikan Bermutu’ (Quality Teachers Drivers of Quality Education) here recently.

The seminar was organised by PPIP USM for the Public University Council of Deans of Education. Also present at the event were the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Professor Dato' Dr. Zakaria Kasa who delivered a Keynote Address; Advisor to the Council, Professor Dato' Dr. Abdul Rashid Mohamed; Chairperson of the Council, Dr. Baharuddin Aris and also the Director, USM Centre for Development of Academic Excellence and Student Development (CDAE), Professor Dr. Abd. Karim Alias, who delivered a Keynote Address as well.

He explained that, based on the latest policies and practices in leadership and educational management, the teachers would serve towards achieving the aspiration of the country in ensuring the delivery of quality education.

"This is also to show that in ensuring the success of the national education agenda and to uphold the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM), teachers are necessary agents in strengthening the development of the nation through education," said Hairul Nizam.

He stressed that, through the transformation in education, the nation’s society would be strengthened when teachers play the roles assigned to them, in ensuring the growth of human beings (talent) which are skilled and well-trained, based on the idea of shaping citizens who are ‘glocal’, having local roots and with global mindsets.

More than 300 participants would be involved in the two-day seminar, with the presentation of two Keynote Addresses, 10 institutional papers and 170 working papers.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin