Meeting of minds: The Sidang Guru Kemuncak Karisma 2025 brought together teachers for a one-day summit featuring workshops, classroom showcases and panel discussions.
As Malaysia prepares for the rollout of the 2027 national curriculum, which will transition classroom instruction towards values-based and student-centred learning, a targeted training initiative is laying the foundation to help teachers lead this transformation.
The approach focuses on practical strategies that foster emotional development, empathy, and stronger teacher-student relationships.
AlinaFor the first time, 70 teachers from across the country have completed formal training in building emotional intelligence through the Program Guru Karisma (Karakter Inspirasi Masyarakat) – a year-long initiative designed and led by Arus Academy, with full funding from Yayasan Hasanah, a foundation under Khazanah Nasional, and the Finance Ministry.
Held in conjunction with the Sidang Guru Kemuncak Karisma 2025 in Putrajaya on May 29, the culmination of the programme brought together 300 educators – including the 70 trained participants – for a one-day national summit that blended expert-led workshops, classroom showcases and panel discussions focused on holistic education.
Teachers explored how to embed social and emotional learning (SEL) into academic subjects – an increasingly vital competency under the 2027 curriculum.
Pang“The upcoming curriculum will shift the role of teachers beyond content delivery – it’s about nurturing emotionally grounded, values-driven young people,” said Arus Academy co-founder Alina Amir.
Program Guru Karisma, she added, equips teachers with the tools and mindset to create meaningful learning environments that reflect this shift.
“This is about elevating the teaching profession – preparing educators to meet the emotional and social needs of today’s learners with confidence and care,” she said in a press release.
The summit featured a national showcase of over 125 classroom activities and 70 action research projects led by the Karisma cohort.
These highlighted how SEL practices can boost student engagement, reduce classroom conflict and build stronger interpersonal connections in the learning environment.
International SEL expert Keeth Matheny, founder of SEL Launchpad, also participated in the summit, leading sessions alongside interactive masterclasses on SEL-integrated pedagogy, teacher well-being and holistic student assessment.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts from the education, corporate and civil society sectors also convened to discuss new models of student assessment that measure not just academic outcomes, but also empathy, collaboration and social responsibility.
Yayasan Hasanah trustee and managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said when teachers are equipped to lead with empathy and intention, they are not just transforming classrooms, but also shaping a more compassionate and resilient education system for Malaysia.
“Through Program Guru Karisma, we’re investing in teachers as agents of change – a vital part of the wider ecosystem that supports our children’s growth.
“Alongside families, communities, and the whole-of-nation effort, teachers will be equipped with the skills and confidence to nurture a generation of empathetic, socially conscious learners,” she said.
The one-year training opened my eyes to the importance of exploring SEL– not just for students, but for us as teachers. SEL gave me tools to manage my own emotions better, which has helped me become a more balanced and effective educator.
– SK Kiaramas, KL, teacher Sarinah Suratman
Many students today struggle with focus, frustration and peer conflict. As teachers, we often lack the tools to address these issues beyond academics. The programme gave us practical ways to integrate SEL into daily lessons – helping students manage emotions, collaborate better, and build stronger relationships in the classroom.
– SJK(C) Sam Yoke, KL, teacher Christina Pang Kang Jing
