Be sincere, prioritise teamwork among principles adopted by T'ganu 'Tokoh Guru’ recipient

KUALA NERUS, May 19 (Bernama) -- Be sincere always, advise students like a mother would and prioritise teamwork - these are among the principles adopted by the recipient of the Terengganu state-level 2022 ‘Tokoh Guru’ award Zah Mohamad

Affectionately called Cikgu Zah, who resigned from the teaching as principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Padang Midin here on Feb 1, 2019, said the recognition was the sweetest memory of her life as a teacher.

“I will celebrate this award with the staff of SMK Padang Midin and hope that it will motivate all teachers to continue to serve with excellence in order to produce knowledgeable and successful human beings for race, religion and country.

"Even though I have retired, I am still active with various community activities and am currently writing a book related to aspects of management and administration in the field of education for the benefit of all," said the 63-year-old.

She said this after receiving the state-level 'Tokoh Guru’ award from Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar at the 2022 state-level Teachers’ Day celebration here that was also attended by more than 500 teachers in the state.

Cikgu Zah, with 35 years of experience teaching at five different schools, took home RM5,000 cash, a sash, medal, a songket and telekung set, watch, headscarf, plaque and a certificate of appreciation. 

The mother of four started her teaching career in 1984 at SMK Agama Tok Jiring after graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Malay Studies and Islamic Studies at the University of Malaya in 1982 and a diploma in education in 1983.

Meanwhile, at the same event, former Terengganu State Assembly Speaker Datuk Mohd Zubir Embong was chosen as the recipient of the 'Tokoh Kepimpinan’ (Leadership Figure) award and took home RM3,000 cash, a plaque and a certificate of appreciation.

He left the teaching profession in 2013 to contest as a Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat during the 13th General Election.

Ahmad Samsuri, when met by reporters, said the state government would always support the State Education Department so as to produce a quality generation in terms of knowledge and skills as well as having high personal values.

“Once the country enters the transition to the endemic phase, I hope more educational programmes will be held as in previous years so that we can achieve excellence,” he said.

-- BERNAMA