Encourage creative thinking in students, Tuanku Zara tells educators

TANJUNG MALIM: Educators should provide students with opportunities to think creatively in order for them to challenge the norm and be exposed to the various realities of life, said Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.

Her Royal Highness said a true teacher should not only have an honest attitude and a passion for educating students but also personalities that are highly regarded, respected, and loved by students and the community.

In addition, Tuanku Zara, who is also the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) chancellor, said educators should be dedicated members of society who are ready to serve the country.

"Show your traits as a decorous and knowledgeable person in your speech and actions. Foster and practice a strong sense of patriotism by being loyal to the King and the country," she said at the 25th UPSI Convocation Ceremony here today.

Meanwhile, UPSI vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, in his speech, said of the total 7,616 graduates receiving their scrolls at the convocation ceremony, 121 were awarded Doctor of Philosophy, 1,487 received a master's degree, 4,240 were conferred a bachelor's degree, and 916 received Diploma in Postgraduate Education.

At the ceremony, Tuanku Zara also presented Tan Sri Dr Ismail Bakar with a letter of appointment to the UPSI Board of Directors.

She also presented the Royal Education Award as well as others accolades, such as the Chancellor's Gold Medal Award, the University Board of Directors Gold Medal (Leadership), the Vice Chancellor's Gold Medal Award to the recipients.

Two outstanding graduates, namely Rossalini Ramzi, a Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) graduate, and Khoo Shu Yin, a Bachelor of Education (Teaching English as a Second Language) graduate, were awarded the Royal Education Award.

-- BERNAMA