IPOH: Opt for the less popular subjects to increase your chances of securing a position at national-type Chinese schools (SJKC), says Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
He said there are currently three subjects that require more teachers: guidance and counselling, special education and preschool.
"Most people who apply to teach in SJKC will choose Chinese as their subject, but there are limited slots available," he said.
"We want people to also consider the less popular subjects," he said at a press conference after opening the "Let's Be Teachers" forum at SMJK Yuk Choy here on Sunday (March 15).
"For these three courses last year, only 90 participants applied. This year, we are targeting 240 participants, or about 80 per subject.
"I hope applicants will set a goal to help more special needs children through guidance and counselling as well as preschool education," he added.
Wong said there is strong demand for teachers in these three areas.
"When we talk about guidance and counselling, we know that many cases arose last year, and many people have highlighted the need for counsellors and counselling services in schools. So there is a real need for such teachers.
"People are also talking about the need for more free preschool education in government schools," he said.
"The ministry wants to expand our preschool programmes in government schools, but the next issue is ensuring we have enough teachers. That is why preschool teachers are very important.
"And lastly, everyone is well aware that there is also a high demand for classes for special needs children," he added.
Wong said there are 1,287 places available at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) for those who wish to teach in SJKC.
"I hope all these places will be taken up to ensure there are sufficient teachers for at least the next five years.
"If we can consistently receive more than 1,000 applications every year, the teacher shortage issue will gradually improve," he said.
Separately, Wong said a briefing on the new academic syllabus for Year One and Form One next year would be held sometime in the middle of the year.
"Explanations will be given to all educators and stakeholders starting in May or June so that everyone is prepared.
"The process of outlining the school curriculum for 2027, which began two years ago, is still ongoing," he said, adding that the ministry has received about 61,000 applications from parents of six-year-olds (5+) for next year's Year One classes.
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