OVER 100 organisations and key stakeholders are committed to supporting early years of education and good parenting practices today.
The organisations pledged to share the importance of such practices through monthly e-mails to their staff and promote the practices on their official social media platform.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the pledge-signing ceremony, lauded the joint effort which is one of the main stepping stones for Penang to realise the Penang2030 vision.
“Parenting is a noble and selfless act of raising and nurturing children.
“It is not only a personal responsibility but also a critical factor that has a direct impact on the well-being of our state.
“It is a duty that extends far beyond the confines of individual homes, reaching into the very fabric of our communities and shaping the future of our nation.
“It serves as the cornerstone of a strong and prosperous state by fostering the development of well-rounded individuals,” Chow said in his speech at UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College in Batu Kawan.
Chow said the early years of a child’s life are vital for their cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
“It is during this time, that parents have the greatest influence on their children’s values, beliefs, and character formation.
“By providing a nurturing and stable environment, parents lay the foundation for future generations, hence instilling in them the moral compass and skills necessary for active and responsible citizenship,” he said.
Chow added that children are not raised by their parents alone but in an ecosystem that also includes caregivers, teachers and even the government.
“Each has a hand in moulding the experiences that children gathered at home, in daycare centres, at school and in society at large.
“Improving those experiences will shape their lives and the face of the societies in the years to come.
“The well-being of our children matters for both ethical and economic reasons.
“Public policy has a vital role to play in developing happy, healthy and well-educated children who grow into socially and economically productive adults,” Chow emphasised.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng urged parents to spend more quality time with their children.
“Positive parenting, characterised by nurturing, supportive, and empathetic interactions between parents and their children, plays a vital role in shaping the social fabric of our communities.
“Apart from parents, educators play a profound role in impacting the personal growth and social development of a child.
“Through quality education, educators assist in shaping the development, knowledge, and future opportunities of children.
“Research has shown that children who have a close relationship with teachers tend to be more comfortable and confident in socialising with other children,” she said.
Chong Eng expressed her delight to see many industry players and organisations pledging today.
“This shows not only your commitment but also your understanding of the importance of positive parenting that your employees need,” she added.
The ceremony was made possible through the cooperation of the Penang government, the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC), the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the WhyteHouse Education Group.
Joining the initiative were the Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP) and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter).
Among those present were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, WhyteHouse founder Jery Yeoh, and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siew Chia En