The Ministry of Education (MoE) through the Department of Schools and Department of Special Education, gathered 217 officers and staff who retired last year at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.
The retired personnel comprised 61 officers and staff from various departments and 156 teaching staff at primary and secondary schools, colleges and higher institutions.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh attended the event as the guest of honour.
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin said the retirees are Generation X who went through multiple evolutions.
From the early years of typewriter to personal computer to the explosion of the Internet, they are a generation that is intelligent, independent, receptive, adaptable, and good at maintaining work-life balance.
She added retired educators certainly remember the experience writing on a blackboard using a white chalk or using manila cards and marker pens as teaching aids.
Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati recalled the English saying, “Life begins at retirement”, and believes retirement is a transition to open a new chapter.
“This opens up opportunities for retirees to explore and implement their wishes and dreams,” she said.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) Aliuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, senior officers, officers and staff at the MoE were also present. – Azlan Othman
