SHAH ALAM, Nov 11 — The Selangor Education Summit (SES) is the state government’s strategic platform to comprehensively shape the future of education, including student welfare and identity development, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said SES isn’t just an education exhibit but an event that gathers plans to ensure Selangor keeps producing knowledgeable, skilled and balanced generations.
“What I’ve repeatedly said is how education is the key to the state’s prosperity, capability, development and progress… Education is the pulse that will ensure this state keeps excelling,” he said at the SES launch ceremony at Setia City Convention Centre here today.
Amirudin said the state government’s commitment to education has been translated into various welfare initiatives, including Selangor Nutrition (NutriSel), which provides underserved students with free quality meals.
“Thank God, NutriSel has received encouraging response. God willing, we will continue it next year,” he added.
Besides welfare, he said the Selangor government emphasises shaping students’ identity through unity programmes to round out their academic achievements.
“We’re looking to launch … industrial training programmes… (that will) help those who are about to graduate or finish their studies.
“Usually, they have to follow industrial training or internships. The internships we will offer with subsidiaries, agencies, but we will fix an evaluation standard for their internship… not just making coffee, arranging machines or accompanying department heads, but with modular training, appropriate work experience, and allowance up to RM1,500,” he said.
The menteri besar asserted that education mustn’t just chase technological advancement and graduate marketability, but must preserve human values to produce balanced people.
“We won’t ever forget philosophies that are important to education, which are to produce people or humans that are balanced… who have a human soul, empathy and sharp thinking, as well as good manners.
“They won’t only become workers who are efficient, of high skill, and have wide knowledge, but (these philosophies) produce people and communities that are balanced because (at the end of the day) we want to become a liveable state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy State Secretary (Development) Dato’ Johary Anuar said SES features various content including contests, symposiums, conventions, research, innovations, and state education agency exhibits.
He added that the growth of AI technology, changing economic structures, and shifting industry needs demand that the education system is always ready to adapt to evolving times.
“Education can no longer be seen solely from an academic achievements aspect, but more holistically, encompassing knowledge acquisition, technical skills, creativity, innovation, critical thinking, identity, and ability to adapt to change.
“SES gathered five complementary components and emphasises the concept of continuous and interactive learning to attract schoolkids and university students,” Johary said.
SES, which was first held in 2024, is an important platform to strengthen Selangor’s education and innovation agenda in line with the state government’s efforts to develop skilled workers.
