Tokoh Guru

18 August 2016 was a significant date in our calender. Beside it was when my "purple ninja" was sold off (Read here), it was my wife's birthday and also the day she was made a Tokoh Guru of Papar District.

What exactly is Tokoh Guru? I tried Google Translate but found the translation unhelpful. Then, from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, I get a glimpse of what it means to be awarded the title of Tokoh Guru:

"The award is a symbol of the government's recognition of the sacrifice, integrity and contribution throughout their service. Among the criteria is that the candidate has a track record of excellence in the classroom, outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and education, active involvement in activities outside the classroom and community service, in addition to excellence in other fields. They must be a Malaysian citizen who was born in this country; as far as possible be chosen from among prominent personalities who have been awarded the title of Master at the state level; aged 50 years or over, whether serving or retired; are or have served as teachers, principals, teachers, lecturers or administrators in education services".

With this criteria, the closest translation I can think of is "Exemplary Teacher or Excellent Teacher".

With the criteria, it is understandable why the awards are given either to retirees or posthumously to the deceased. One's legacy cannot be safely defined only until after leaving active teaching service.

Award presented by the Deputy Minister of Works, Malaysia,

Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin who is also

the Member of Parliament for Papar.

The two Tokoh Guru

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Our house has a big collection of gifts and souvenirs given just before her retirement on 18 August 2011. I think this is now the right time to share some of them.

The parting words of the Department of Visual Arts & Department of Indigenous Pedagogy of Keningau Teachers Training Institute on the eve of her retirement sum up her legacy in her teaching career.

"Thank you for being such a wonderful leader, an exemplary model and caring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for not being afraid to trust the citizens of IPG Keningau Campus like real people. Thank you for showing acceptance, approval and appreciation. These are all gifts that are so important for our development and we will remember you well. Words of encouragement, a little respect and simple gesture of kindness promote the perfect climate for working, learning and growing. Your attitude translates into a spirit of friendliness and good will towards other. Progress is easier in an atmosphere of creative freedom, joy and ease and we will remember you well. We salute the good work you have done, we appreciate the person you are and we thank you for your positive influence. You have passed on invaluable instruction and wisdom and created pleasurable moments associated with learning that will always be sweet memories and we will remember you well. Thank you for ensuring impression you have made in the lives you have touched. You are a great leader, teacher and great friend and we will remember you always. 

Retirement may be an ending, a closing, but it is also a new beginning. 

Happy Birthday & Happy Retirement!
17 August 2011 

From Jabatan Seni Visual & Jabatan Pedagogi Perimubi."

A portrait painting by a Lecturer.

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This year, her birthday was celebrated not solely with her other half. This August, Paul and Jun Shi came back for a short holidays. The night before they left for Singapore on 8 August, they sprang a surprise by pulling out a birthday cake from the fridge. A secret well kept from us until the very last minute!

We also spent an evening at Kokol Haven to enjoy the awesome sunset view of Kota Kinaballu.