Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh highlighted at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday that career education begins early in primary school, with the concept of careers being introduced to students as young as five to 12-years-old.
The minister responded to Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee’s query regarding measures the Ministry of Education can take to strengthen career guidance at the primary level.
The minister addressed whether the ministry would consider using visual materials, such as educational and infographic videos, to enhance career awareness.
Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah said, “From a young age, children are often introduced to various careers they see around them, such as doctors, soldiers and teachers. Questions about work and their future ambitions are commonly asked as early as elementary school. The learning process that leads to a change in knowledge is influenced by several factors, including student experience, repetition, participation, interest and motivation.
“To build and strengthen children’s understanding of employment, they are exposed to subjects such as English and Malay. This is achieved through the use of teaching aid, such as flashcards, pictures and hands-on activities, including school visits to various workplaces,” she added. The minister highlighted that some primary schools also organise career day activities to expose students to various future careers.
In addition to fostering an understanding and interest in work, children are consistently encouraged to master essential skills in reading, writing and mathematics, which are crucial for achieving their goals.
She said, “In terms of educational curriculum, the concept of employment is introduced gradually, considering the appropriate depth and relevance for each age group. For example, in Years 1, 2 and 3 Malay language subjects introduce children to jobs such as firefighters, police, nurses, doctors, judges, farmers and breeders.
In Year 4, students are introduced to careers as entrepreneurs or concepts of sale and purchase.” Career guidance at the primary level is further strengthened by student exposure to a variety of growing work market trends, including introducing children to basic concepts of sale; create ideas or entrepreneurship, she added.
Some of these steps include early exposure through entrepreneurship programme and co-curriculum; preparation of visual materials for career awareness; structured curriculum development and career guidance and the use of technology and interactive approach Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah said, “In this regard, the ministry will continue to focus on comprehensive initiatives in strengthening students’ early awareness and preparation for the dynamic and competitive work world.”
Asked whether the ministry would consider using visual materials, such as educational and infographic videos, to raise career awareness, the minister responded that the ministry, through the Education Technology Unit (EduTech), will continue developing educational videos and infographics that align with the learning curriculum.
One example of this initiative is the e-book released by EduTech, What I Want to Be When I Grow Up, which is specially designed for Year 1 to Year 3 students.
In response to Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin’s inquiry regarding the CfBT service, the minister said the ministry had renewed the CfBT teacher service contract for 200 teachers for a period of three years. – Lyna Mohamad
