Kuala Lumpur:Education should be more than just a pathway to academic excellence, emphasizing the importance of character building and the development of well-rounded individuals, according to Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Prime Minister's wife.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Wan Azizah stressed the necessity of instilling values, good character, and moral qualities to cultivate individuals who excel academically while developing strong character. She highlighted this point while officiating the 2026 MADANI Education Carnival 'Sehari Bersama Rakyat'.
The event was also attended by Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department director Megat Affandi Ismail, and it was organized by the Bangsar and Pudu District Education Office at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Bintang Selatan.
Dr. Wan Azizah reflected on the historical contributions of Islamic civilisation scholars to education, noting that modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and programming are rooted in past advances in science, algebra, and algorithms. She emphasized that education must continue to be the foundation for human development, especially in light of technological advancements that demand a strong knowledge base.
She also underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which offers promising employment prospects towards 2030. The Education Ministry supports strengthening this field through digital school transformation and digital learning initiatives.
However, Dr. Wan Azizah warned against the excessive use of gadgets by students, as it could adversely affect brain and cognitive development.
During the carnival, exhibitions and activities showcased students' talents in AI, cybersecurity, and leadership, aiming to prepare them for the workforce, particularly in urban areas. Dr. Wan Azizah also presented mock cheques under the 2026 School Quality Improvement Initiative, part of the School Reform programme, awarding RM100,000 each to 12 schools, with SMK Sungai Besi receiving RM95,000.