‘Developing soft skills helps create well-rounded students’
KUCHING: The development of soft skills among students should be given equal importance in schools and institutions of learning, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Chong Chieng Jen.
He explained that soft skills are as important as knowledge, and would turn the students into well- rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
“As we all know, students are the pillars and strength of a nation as one day they would form the next generation of leaders to lead the country.
“Academic achievement alone is not enough.
“The opportunity to develop their talents and character should be given thorough attention,” said Chong in a textofspeech read by his special assistant Abdul Aziz Isa at the Excellence Awards Day at Dewan Kolej Vokasional Kuching, Batu Lintang on Saturday.
He stated that both parents and teachers play equally important roles in the development and progression of the younger generation.
According to Chong, the teaching fraternity for example should shift from rote learning methods by adopting new teaching and learning approaches which can encourage students to be more creative and innovative.
“Parents, on the other hand, have the responsibility to groom
Academic achievement alone is not enough. Giving them the opportunity to develop their talent and character should be given thorough attention.
their children as esteemed individuals,” he added.
He also said technical and vocational education and training ( TVET) is now an important part of the nation’s education system in order to develop skilled manpower needed by industries.
A total 433 students took part in Kolej Vokasional Kuching ( KvKu)’s Excellence Awards Day as they displayed inventions from their respective groups.
Awards were also presented for various categories.
Also present were Education Ministry technical and vocational division principal assistant director Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, Sarawak Education Department school management sector head Omar Mahli, Kuching education officer Kamariah Said and KvKu principal Ng Yook Lin.
Chong Chieng Jen, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister