NILAI: Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) which is one of the country's premier all girl residential schools has always been at the forefront in instilling among its students the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.
TKC principal Anismah M. Noh said love for the country must start at school and this can be done by indulging the students in numerous activities involving the whole school which will strengthen unity and the camaraderie.
"At TKC, we encourage the spirit of sisterhood among students as well as inculcate leadership skills as we celebrate the various diffences among the TKC students which is part of the Malaysia Day spirit," Anismah told New Straits Times in an interview recently.
Anismah said TKC is maturing in tandem with the country's 60th independence which is moving towards a new era of high technology and scientific knowledge.
"During our forefathers day, the celebration was more routinely oriented towards social events such as speeches, march past, display of ceremonial dances, songs and the likes.
However, the younger generation today is involved in more non-traditional activities and TKC is here to complement their aspirations as well as their unique desire to express and to create something different so that it will be remembered and cherished as a lifetime accomplishment," said Anismah.
She added with these thoughts in mind, it is hoped that students creativity is groomed to a higher level of invention and discovery and at the same time enhance the quality of their leadership skills and their lives.
Meanwhile, former TKC student SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim said her greatest hope is that Malaysia will achieve its aspiration to become a developed nation and become an inclusive
economy as envisioned by the Government by the year 2020.
"I hope that we as a ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ will be able to unite as a strong nation, transcending borders and barriers, to make Malaysia a successful global brand.
She said the Government’s commitment to provide a conducive environment to facilitate business and trade, as
well as to promoting resilience, innovation and competitiveness, particularly among small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, is clearly reflected through the Eleventh Malaysia Plan and the SME Masterplan.
Hafsah added the business landscape is changing due to the advent of new trends and one of the megatrends that are
radically transforming the business landscape on a global scale is Industry 4.0 which is fuelled by digital technology.
Industry 4.0 warrants businesses to adopt emerging technologies, big data analytics, collaborative innovations and
new digital business and delivery systems. Failure to adapt will adversely affect business efficiency, productivity,
competitiveness and sustainability.
"Thus, it is imperative for SMEs and entrepreneurs to not only embrace the impending changes, but brazenly be in the forefront of catalysing such change.
On its part, the Government will continue to engage with the SMEs, and empower them with the right tools, policies and solutions, helping them to remain relevant and competitive, as Industry 4.0 takes shape.
"Malaysia Day will become more relevant when the whole nation transforms into a truly developed nation
and inclusive economy, successfully overcoming challenges and embracing change, as a united front."