SIBU: “If you were the education minister or perhaps the prime minister, what would you want to change in the current education system?”
That was the question posed to executive chairman of HCK Group, Tan Sri Clement Hii at a forum and dialogue session at SMK Sacred Heart’s 16th annual Speech Day yesterday.
A teacher brought up the matter as he said many felt that the country’s current education system is outdated.
Hii, who was the main patron for the event, promptly replied that if he was in charge of education, he would design an education system that allowed for the character building of students to prepare them to face life outside of school.
“The problem with our education system is that it is too exam-oriented which results in every school wanting top achievers. But I believe the focus should not be just on results but what goes beyond it.
“The education system should not be one which has a wealth of theories but one where students are taught critical thinking skills, people’s management and inculcating the right attitude,” he said.
Acknowledging that good exam results were important, he said there is a lot more that could be done to prepare students for their adult years.
To another question on what should be done for better job security as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) grows, Hii advised that “we should fight for the future”.
“The people who invented technology are also there to help if you lose your job due to technological advancement. Nobody can survive as we move to the next century, so be prepared for the future,” he advised.
To another question on the challenges that the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 poses, Hii said people should change their mindsets to accept that the world is going borderless.
“A number of people are still not aware what IR 4.0 actually is all about. You have to change your mindsets to accept that this technological age is either working in your favour or against it,” he said.
On what kind of characteristics, a person must have to be able to make good decisions, Hii who is also the group managing director of SEGi College, attributed it to strong leadership skills and the right attitude.
Meanwhile, SMK Sacred Heart principal David Teo said that Hii was contributing RM28,210 and five laptops for deserving students.
“His generous cash incentive for students and teachers has reached a total of RM339,850 — exclusive of 60 laptops, two Myvi cars and more than a million’s worth of scholarships these last 16 years,” he added.
