Tokoh Guru

18 August 2016 marked a truly significant day in our calendar. Not only was it the day when my beloved "purple ninja" was finally sold off (Read here), but it was also my wife’s birthday - a double celebration made even more memorable because she was honored as the Tokoh Guru of Papar District.

What exactly is Tokoh Guru? At first, I turned to Google Translate, but the result was vague and unhelpful. Eventually, I found a clearer explanation from the Ministry of Education Malaysia. The title Tokoh Guru is not just a ceremonial label; it is an official recognition given to outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to teaching, nurturing students, and contributing to the broader development of education in their community. It is a mark of deep respect, celebrating not only years of service but also the positive impact and legacy a teacher leaves behind.

"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 citizens who were 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 these criteria in mind, the closest English translation I can think of for Tokoh Guru would be “Exemplary Teacher” or “Distinguished Teacher.”

It also becomes clear why such awards are often given either to retirees or, at times, posthumously. A teacher’s true legacy can only be fully recognized once he or she has stepped away from active service. Only then can the breadth of their contributions, the values instilled, and the impact they have left on students and the community be properly assessed and appreciated.

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 home holds a remarkable collection of gifts and souvenirs that my wife received in the days leading up to her retirement on 18 August 2011. Each item carries a story, a memory, and a token of appreciation from those whose lives she touched. I feel that now is the right time to share some of these cherished mementos.

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 not celebrated solely with me. In August, Paul and Jun Shi returned home for a short holiday. On the night before their departure for Singapore on 8 August, they surprised us with a thoughtful gesture - pulling out a birthday cake from the fridge. It was a secret they had carefully kept until the very last moment, making the celebration all the more memorable and heartwarming.

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