EDUCATION leaders, policy makers and students gathered at the Tamil education national conference here to address the challenges of Tamil education in Malaysia.
It is understood that the conference was the first Tamil education national conference organised by a state government since Pakatan Harapan took over the Federal Government.
The conference was jointly organised by the Penang government and the Penang Society for Advancement of Tamil.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said the two-day conference would address several issues pertaining to Tamil education such as the future of Tamil education in the country, setting up Tamil secondary schools, development of Tamil schools in Malaysia, the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in uplifting Tamil education, financial model for Tamil education and others.
“Tamil education in Malaysia began some 200 years ago and Penang was the first state that started the teaching of Tamil in Penang Free School on 1816.
“Delegates will be able to critically assess the challenges of Tamil education in Malaysia and develop strategic framework to uplift Tamil education during the conference,” he told a press conference after the launching ceremony at The Light Hotel Penang today.
Dr Ramasamy said the total number of Tamil schools in Malaysia had declined over the past 60 years.
“There were 888 Tamil schools in the country during the period of independence, and the number has dropped to 524 now.
“Tamil education in Malaysia is affected by this scenario,” he said.
Organising chairman M. Satees thanked the state government and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for their support in making the conference a success.
“The committee will be submitting a report to the Education Ministry after the conference,” he said.
Education Ministry corporate communications head Dr G. Manimaran was present, representing Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.
Reading out Dr Maszlee’s speech text, Dr Manimaran said the conference promoted efforts to uplift the education system in the country.
“I would like to congratulate the Penang government for its efforts towards the development of Tamil schools in the state over the past 10 years,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis