Latest news with #TeachersDay
The Star
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Heart And Soul: A touching reunion of former SMK Bukit Mewah teachers
The writer (front row, standing, in long-sleeved batik shirt) reconnects with fellow educators from SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban, at their first full reunion in over 20 years. — LIONG KAM CHONG Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: heartandsoul@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". We are former teachers and head teachers of SMK Bukit Mewah, Seremban – now scattered across the country after retirement or transfers over the past 20 years. Though we stay connected through a chat group aptly named 'SBM BFF' (Seremban Bukit Mewah Best Friends Forever), full group meet-ups have been rare. So, when someone suggested an in-person reunion, the response was swift and enthusiastic. What started with 20 interested members quickly swelled to 50. To ensure comfort, the organisers eventually capped the number as the hotel restaurant hosting our high tea had its limits. The date – May 16, 2025, Teachers Day – was perfect. True to our teacherly nature, a full programme was drawn up. And long before the 2.45pm registration, most of us were already there, buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric – like a scene of long-lost friends reunited. Handshakes, hugs, laughter and chatter filled the room. In that moment, we were no different from the noisy students we once guided. There were stories, questions, laughter – and heartfelt memories. Many had aged gracefully, some remarkably unchanged. Amid the joy, we paused to remember colleagues who had passed on. But we agreed – at this stage of life, acceptance is key. That, we decided, is the true recipe for healthy ageing. The organising chairperson opened with a brief welcome, followed by a doa (prayer). Then, the celebration began –our first full reunion in over 20 years. Ten of us, former school administrators, were seated at the 'VIP' table with a served meal, while the rest, seated across four other tables, enjoyed a buffet spread. But after two decades of retirement, titles no longer mattered – we soon left our seats, mingled freely, and helped ourselves at the buffet. Conversations flowed as easily as the laughter. More than the food, it was the reconnection that mattered most. Smiling faces and joyful chatter said it all. An hour was set aside for open sharing, and unsurprisingly, the slot filled quickly. Teachers, after all, rarely shy away from a stage. We heard stories of post-retirement life: travel, health, family time, and new hobbies. It was clear – retirement was not just well earned, but well lived. The highlight came with the cutting of the Teachers' Day cake, followed by a rousing group's declaration of 'Kami guru Malaysia, berikrar dan berjanji ...' (We, Malaysian teachers, pledge and promise...). Our voices filled the restaurant – Surely, the other guests knew their school-going children were in good hands! The photo session that followed was a flurry of activity. It took time to gather all 50 of us for the group shot, but that didn't stop the phones from clicking – smaller group photos, selfies, and candid moments captured in abundance. By 6pm, it was time to part. There were waves, hugs, and quiet goodbyes. And in every heart, the same thought lingered: When will we meet again?
The Star
22-06-2025
- General
- The Star
A teacher's tribute
We celebrated Teachers Day last month, and while the invaluable contributions of our educators to nation-building deserve to be recognised, I would like to take this opportunity to share how two of my former students have been a blessing to me. Tan L.S. and Kong S.M. were my students at SMK Mahmud, Raub, Pahang, in 1984. I was in the fifth year of my teaching career and was pleasantly surprised to be made form teacher of the top Science class, 4 Science Merah. Tan, having to find her feet after transferring from an all-girls school, stood out on that very first day in class. Disregarding all formalities, I relied on my intuition and appointed her as class monitor. She did not fail me. She performed her duties admirably, even though she had to take charge of a co-ed class with boys and girls from different backgrounds. Her excellence caught the attention of the prefectorial board, and she was soon elected a school prefect. Taking on responsibilities on two fronts – as class monitor and prefect – proved too great a burden, and she had to relinquish the class monitor role with a heavy heart. A few months later, I discovered a hidden gem in class. Kong, in whom I had noticed leadership potential, was appointed class monitor to replace Tan. She was responsible, courteous and had a pleasant disposition. I never regretted my decision, as she proved to be a capable and dedicated monitor who managed the class superbly without ever needing my intervention in peer matters. Only recently, after 38 years, did I learn that some students were not in favour of others from a certain background being made to do chores. Kong, just 16 at the time, resolved the issue in a diplomatic and amicable manner. Well done, indeed. I still vividly remember seeing Kong come into the staffroom every day without fail during recess to hand over the list of absentees – a truly reliable monitor. At the end of 1984, I was transferred back to Klang, Selangor. My 4 Science Merah students were kind enough to organise a memorable farewell for me at one of their homes. I left the school with a heavy heart, thinking that would be the last I would hear from them. Fast forward to 2022, when I decided to write about my life in Raub. The story was published in the newspaper along with a class photo of my 4 Science Merah students. It caught the attention of some of my former charges, and after a flurry of calls, Tan and Kong managed to track me down. When I was their form teacher, I treated them the way I would have liked my own teachers to treat me. Thankfully, Tan and Kong appreciated my approach. From my recent conversations with them, I realised that I had given them self-belief and recognition at a time when the co-ed school environment felt both foreign and challenging. Since reconnecting, we have met up whenever possible, despite their busy schedules. Bosom buddies since kindergarten, Tan is now an accomplished lawyer with her own law firm, while Kong has settled down in Australia, juggling family duties with social activities. Both strongly believe that nothing in this world is more precious than gratitude towards others and contentment within oneself – for that, they say, is the root of happiness in life. To me, these two godsent students are the greatest gifts I have received in my 35 years as a teacher. The recognition and appreciation I have received from students like them make all the blood, sweat and tears poured into this profession worthwhile. THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAM Retired teacher Klang
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
SST on imported goods up for review
Nice to meet you: Ahmad Zahid shaking hands with a member of Kemas during the Teachers Day celebration. — Bernama BANGI: The expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) on several imported goods, including fruits such as apple and mandarin oranges will be reviewed, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said the decision to impose the SST of between 5% and 10% on fruits not produced locally should be considered. 'I believe it is reasonable for (the new SST rate on certain goods) to be reviewed and I think there will be an adjustment on certain materials to be categorised as taxable. '(But) don't take that conclusively,' he said after officiating the Community Development Department (Kemas) Teachers Day celebration yesterday. Earlier, Mydin Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin Mohamed described the move to impose SST on imported fruit as unreasonable because it also affects low-income consumers. Ahmad Zahid said the views put forward by Ameer Ali should be brought to the Cabinet meeting as it touches on the people's needs for imported fruits. 'The revenue from fruit tax to the country is not that high. If SST is imposed, the price will increase,' Ahmad Zahid said, Bernama reported. 'I know the purpose (of imposing SST on imported fruits) is to protect local fruits but we do not produce apples and mandarin oranges. I am sure the Finance Ministry and the Economy Ministry are also looking into the matter,' he added On June 9, the government announced a targeted review of the SST rate which will take effect from July 1. The sales tax rate will remain the same for essential goods, while a rate of 5% or 10% will be imposed on non-essential or discretionary goods. The scope of service tax has also been expanded to cover six new services such as rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education and beauty.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Thank a Teacher Day 2025: Send us your messages
It's National Thank a Teacher' Day today!It's a day that celebrates teachers and school staff all over the country and thanks them for their hard it is your class teacher, a teaching assistant or dinner helper we want to hear from makes them so fantastic and what you are grateful for?You can let us know by leaving a comment below. You see them almost every day and they are a big part of your lives, teachers and school support staff help kids learn and grow and now there is a chance to recognise all they there a special teacher who is able to explain things really well and makes lessons super fun?Or is there a teaching assistant who has helped you with something that you found difficult?Perhaps there's someone who is always there for a friendly chat or is guaranteed to make you laugh? Maybe one of your school staff is particularly kind or a good listener?Or is there a dinner helper who remembers what your favourite food is and always gives you a bigger helping?Whoever it is, give that special person in your school a shout out in the us know how they've helped you and why they should be thanked.
Times of Oman
29-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Teacher's Day celebration held in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate
Ibra: North Al Sharqiyah Education Department on Thursday honoured more than 140 teaching staff members from North Al Sharqiyah Governorate during a celebration marking Teachers' Day for School Year 2024-2025. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education. It was attended by members of the State Council, government officials, private sector representatives and members of the administrative and teaching staff from the governorate's schools. At the closing of the ceremony, Dr. Madiha handed over certificates of felicitation to 144 top performers, including staff of teaching and administrative departments and educational support bodies operating at North Al Sharqiyah schools.
