| Lyna Mohamad |
GLOBALISATION, a global integration process, has created opportunities for countries to get closer, enhance communication, mutual understanding and development.
It however, also poses challenges to the socio-economic life in these countries, resulting in the loss of national identity.
These were among the key takeaways from the 33rd Asean Council of Teachers (ACT+1) Convention held from September 15 – 17, 2017 at the Centara Sandy Beach Resort in Vietnam.
During the convention – themed ‘Role of Education in Adopting Global Culture and Preserving National Identity’ and hosted by the National Education Union of Vietnam (NEUV) – it was also pointed out that ACT+1 member countries should take steps to overcome global challenges to achieve sustainable development and preserve national identity through education.
On this note, it was further stated that teachers play a vital role in Character Building and Values Education to ensure the preservation of national identity.
Speakers at the convention also mentioned that the council as a whole believes that a diverse ACT+1 community amidst a globalised world can be achieved through quality education, and that every student should have access to quality education regardless of differences in ethnicity, gender or religious background.
This can be achieved by enhancing the professionalism of teachers – via teacher training, capacity building, creation of a better working environment, and demonstrating strong professional ethics. These steps, it was mentioned, should contribute to preserving traditional cultural values and national identity.
The convention recognises that in a globalised world, special education – specifically Character Education, Global Citizenship Education, and Education on Values and Traditions – can enhance students’ capacities to better adapt themselves to changes and at the same time preserve their national identity.
At the same time, quality education through Character Education and Global Citizenship can help students face and confidently resolve challenges through active participation in the socio-economic development of both their native countries and that of the globalised world.
The active support of governments is essential in enhancing teachers’ professionalism and effectiveness in teaching and learning, at the same time, school facilities need to be improved to ensure the best learning environment for students.
ACT+1 member countries have been recommended to take initiatives to integrate Tradition and Values Education in their national curriculums to ensure the effective adoption of global culture and preservation of national identity, as well as to work on enhancing teachers’ competencies and professional capacities via government support, including appropriate welfare.
Representing Brunei Daru-ssalam at the ACT+1 was a 29-member delegation led by Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) President Haji Antin bin Ahad.
During the convention, PGGMB representative Cikgu Nur Asurah binti Haji Meludin, a senior official from the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, briefed participants on Brunei’s National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21) .
The Vietnam convention acted as a forum for teachers from Asean member countries to discuss among each other the challenges that globalisation poses to a society’s cultural identity, while coming up with ways to tap into its positive aspects.
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