Tadika Bitara UPSI Becomes Malaysia’s First Preschool Recognised By UNESCO

IPOH, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Tadika Bitara, under the National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC) of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), has become the first preschool in Malaysia to be recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the recognition, confirmed with the official certificate presented on Aug 11, marked a historic milestone for the nation’s education sector.

He said the preschool has been consistent in providing quality, inclusive early childhood education anchored on universal values and is a pioneer in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which teaches children environmental responsibility, sustainable practices and global awareness from an early age.

“Children here are trained to live sustainably through gardening, recycling, waste management, energy conservation and community projects. This recognition places Tadika Bitara on the international stage as a model of sustainability-focused preschool education,” he said in a statement today.

Md Amin added the recognition also acknowledged NCDRC’s role as a leader in early childhood research, development and innovation.

NCDRC director Assoc Prof Dr Mazlina Che Mustafa described the achievement as a collective national success that elevates Malaysian preschool education globally.

“The preschool’s ESD programmes were also studied under a project led by former UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Aminah Ayob to assess their impact on children’s development and global awareness,” she said.

She added that Tadika Bitara’s experience could serve as an international reference and that ASPnet membership opens doors for collaboration through seminars, workshops, joint projects and access to UNESCO’s exclusive learning resources.

-- BERNAMA