Preparing students for demands of workplace
Published on: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: It is imperative for Malaysia and Sabah, in particular, to draw learnings from other high-performance systems to develop coherent specific skills and attributes that students will need to thrive in tomorrow's economy and a globalised world, according to State Assistant Minister of Education and Innovation, Jenifer Lasimbang.Speaking at Almacrest International College's 7th Convocation ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, here, she said framers of the National Education Philosophy way back in 1988 already understood a vision for where Malaysia should be and concluded a set of desired student aspirations:Firstly, knowledge, meaning at the most basic level students should be fully literate and numerate. Beyond this, it is important that students master core knowledge such as mathematics and science and are informed with a general knowledge of Malaysia, Asia and the world.
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Secondly, thinking skills, where every student will master a range of important cognitive skills including critical thinking , reasoning, creative thinking and innovation and this is an area where the present system has historically fallen short.Thirdly, leadership skills and in the context of the education system, leadership encompasses for dimensions: entrepreneurship, resilience, emotional intelligence and strong communication skills. Fourthly, multilingual proficiency, meaning minimum operationally proficient in Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and language of unity, English as the international language of communication and others. Fifth, strong ethics and spirituality, inculcated to prepare students to rise to the challenges they will inevitably face in adult life, such as resolving conflicts peacefully, to employ judgement and principles during critical moments and to have the courage to do what is right; and
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Sixth, national identity or a sense of benevolent patriotism and concern for Malaysia's success and that the country has a future. "Our country needs a young generation honed in these characteristics who have the intellect, honesty and prudence at all levels," she said.
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"Around the world, there has been massive push to increase access to education, higher education included, it is a recognition that education is essential to achieve one goats," said Lasimbang who officiated the conferment of diplomas to 67 graduates in various courses such as accountancy, economics, retail management, office management, marketing , leisure management and certificates in tourism and business management. The Almacrest CEO Award went to economics graduate Efyeana Stasia Bare Gergorius. Hailing the Almacrest convocation as a "prestigious occasion" which marks personal goals reached for students, Lasinbang said the "graduates from the various courses will now join the powerful generation who will become part of the development of a diverse nation." However, fresh graduates walking into the world of careers will challenge the limits of their leadership skills as problem solvers and critical thinkers, Lasimbang cautioned. Unless they face up to the challenge and keeps pace with the needs of the time to stay relevant, "your certificate may remain as the accessories at home," she said.Meanwhile, Almacrest International Chief Executive , Stephane Yen described the convocation ceremony as "a heartfelt occasion" especially for the graduates in six Diploma courses in Marketing, Accountancy, Leisure Management, Retail Management, Economics, Office Management and Certificates in Business Management and Tourism."On a day like this, it is an occasion to appreciate the journey that you have taken for the last two and a half years and I am sure that some of you will remember the hardships and struggle you have gone through but now you will have an opportunity and capability to look forward to a bright and challenging future ahead and venture out into your respective industries," Ms Yen said.Invoking the value of gratitude, Ms Yen urged the graduates to remember that it's the foresight, guidance, sacrifice and nurture of a raft of people, parents, guardians, siblings, friends who inspired the their accomplishments and pay tribute to a committed academic department of lecturers who dispensed quality lectures, took responsibility and enforced discipline.Yen called on the graduates to keep learning to improve and be a contributor to society in Sabah or their respective countries for international students. A highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Almacrest International College and Jose Maria College (JMC) of the Philippines which enables Almacrest graduates progression to Bachelor degree courses at JMC upwards to Masters and PhD. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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