RANGE OF ACTIVITIES LINED UP FOR 2025 NATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY CELEBRATION

KUCHING, May 14 (Bernama) -- The 54th National Teachers’ Day Celebration 2025, which begins today and runs until Friday, features a range of programmes aimed at recognising the contributions of educators and highlighting their role as key drivers of the nation’s educational reform agenda.

Deputy director-general of Education (Professionalism Development Sector), Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, stated that among the highlights is a public speaking competition for teachers to demonstrate their professionalism, factual insight and ethical expression in articulating ideas and viewpoints.

“Such competitions not only refine teachers’ communication skills but also showcase how educators can serve as role models for students in delivering their views with substance, decorum and confidence.

“We envision teachers not merely as classroom instructors, but as thought leaders who are courageous in voicing perspectives on education policies and the future of our nation's youth,” he told reporters after the final round of the public speaking competition today.

He added that the lineup of activities includes a parliamentary-style debate competition, welfare and spiritual initiatives, exhibitions and the Education Professional Forum.

Mohd Azam said the activities featuring educational exhibition booths, interactive forums and Bicara Profesional sessions open to the public are being held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Hikmah Exchange (HEC) and the Kuching Waterfront.

He added that the highlight, scheduled for this Friday, will include the presentation of 32 awards to teachers who have demonstrated excellence in innovation, creativity and teaching in remote, rural, and Orang Asli communities.

“These awards are a recognition of the dedication and commitment of educators who deliver quality education despite geographical and resource-related challenges. The initiative has also received commendation from the Chief Secretary to the Government during a recent meeting,” he said.

He said the main ceremony announcing the National Exemplary Teacher (Tokoh Guru Kebangsaan) and the Educational Leadership Icon (Tokoh Kepimpinan Pendidikan) will be held at BCCK, noting that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to attend the event.

Mohd Azam added that educators from across the country are also expected to attend a dinner hosted tomorrow evening with the Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

-- BERNAMA