NILAI: Teachers must keep pace with emerging developments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education (STEM) while remaining grounded in ethics and human values, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to master new technology, including digital and energy transformation, as well as artificial intelligence, among others.
“All countries speak about developing aspects like energy transition because we know that if we excel here, the country will move forward as well.
“You must reach for the stars, but the difference is we must remain rooted. It must not be at the expense of compromising our values, culture or religion,” he said during the Temu Anwar session at the Teachers’ Training Institute here yesterday.
Anwar said the culture of success must embody striving for excellence.
“This includes the way we study, our approach to things, how we mingle and our character. We need all of these, as these qualities will improve our work,” he said.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that the next generation of educators must be qualified and have a sense of humanity and a desire to improve the country.
He warned that education would fail to achieve its true purpose if teachers or students were influenced by sentiments of hatred towards other races and religions.
“No country in the world, no matter how great, is immune to challenges, let alone those harbouring the seeds of hatred.
“Everyone must be self-aware and ready to improve relations with others,” he said, urging the people to close ranks and come together as a tolerant and harmonious society.
During the question-and-answer session, Anwar said the government placed an increased focus on schools, toilets and also housing for teachers.
“That is why I appeal to all of you; please do your best. Malaysia is a great country.
“We are peaceful, have a resilient economy, and our oil prices are still low. Fix the country and work to make it better,” he told the future teachers.
Anwar added that foreign investments reached record highs last year, with the country also being among the highest in the region.
He also said Malaysia ranked first in the semiconductor and data centre industries in the region.
He also questioned how some groups can speak about modern and new technologies but still have a racist mindset and be tolerant of corruption.
“When they see they are about to lose, they speak about the survival of the Malays, but when they succeed, they reap the benefits.
“If we really want to help everyone, we must lead by example and work hard to uplift the rakyat,” he said.
