The 2024 Malaysian Teachers' Teaching Workshop, organized by the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Malaysia and the Organization of Taiwan Education and Culture in Malaysia, was held from October 31 to November 2 at Hotel Sentral Seaview in Penang. The event was co-organized by the Council of SMJK Principals Malaysia, the Secondary School Chinese Language Teachers Association in Penang, with supports from three Taiwanese universities: Hsuan Chuang University, Yuan Ze University, and National Taiwan Normal University. Over 140 school teachers and principals from across Malaysia nation-wide attended the workshop.
This year’s workshop provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage with lecturers from Taiwan, who shared their expertise in youth counseling, career exploration assessments, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. A key focus of the event was to showcase how AI can be integrated into teaching and learning processes, highlighting its potential to enhance educational outcomes and prepare students for the future workforce.
Mr. Beh Chew Nam, Executive Director of the Organization of Taiwan Education and Culture in Malaysia, emphasized that global high-tech companies are increasingly interested in investing in Malaysia, which will boost the country’s economy and create a strong demand for skilled engineers within the next 3 to 5 years. He pointed out that Taiwan, a global high-tech hub, is home to the Hsinchu Science Park, one of the world’s most concentrated areas for semiconductor and chip manufacturing, with over 600 international high-tech companies. Taiwan's top universities play a key role in training professionals for this sector and fostering industry-academia collaborations. Mr. Beh encouraged schools to inspire students to pursue careers in technology, particularly by continuing their studies in Taiwan, where a thriving innovation ecosystem offers great opportunities for future success.
Ms. Charlin Chang, Director of the Education Division of TECO, outlined the importance of learning to coexist with artificial intelligence (AI) in the modern era. She mentioned that Taiwan's higher education institutions as a model, noting their focus on integrating AI education alongside technology and cross-disciplinary courses. AI education is divided into four main areas: exploration, industrial, natural language, and visual design applications, all of which support academic growth, career development, and national industry progress. Ms. Chang encouraged educators to adapt teaching methods to incorporate AI and emphasized that three key competencies are necessary for students in the AI-driven world: the ability to give instructions, make informed judgments, and interact effectively with AI. She also stressed the importance of cultivating human-centered skills, as well as learning to develop and assess AI, similar to the principles of teaching design, implementation, and evaluation.
Among the attendees were Ms. Lim Peck Poh, chair of the Council of SMJK Principals Malaysia, Mr. Toh Bon Hoi, chair of Secondary School Chinese Language Teachers Association in Penang, and Ms. Chong Yee Woon, chair of Deputy Directors of the Chinese Language Unit of the Learning Sector in States Education Department, who joined other educational leaders in exploring ways to enhance teaching practices in Malaysia with the integration of AI and other emerging technologies.
This workshop highlighted the vital role that educators play in shaping students' futures. It also served as a platform for educators between Taiwan and Malaysia to exchange ideas and experiences in teaching. Integrating AI into educational systems brings both opportunities and challenges. While AI has the potential to enhance learning experiences and offer more personalized education, its implementation must be done thoughtfully to ensure it complements, rather than replaces traditional teaching methods. Educators must find a balance between embracing technological progress and preserving the essential human element in teaching.