Study Visit for Principals from the Maldives

“I loved lots of things about our school visits. The emphasis given to student empowerment, the incorporation of STEM education and robotics, vocational education, and how the culture of Malaysia is imbibed within the schools are all commendable.

“Being an educator, it is important to be a constant learner who is familiar with the latest changes in the world of education,” said Nazima Ali Manik, 45, the principal of Muhyiddin School, in the capital of Malé in the Maldives.

She is one of the 15 school officials who had come to Malaysia for a study visit organised by OUM’s International Partnership Unit (IPU). Held from 30 January to 7 February, it included trips to six different types of schools in the Klang Valley.

The visits had led Nazima to reflect on the education system and situation in her own country. “It made me think about why performing arts is reduced in Maldivian schools. Also, it’s eye-opening how Malaysian schools have internalised vocational education at different scales. It gives us a lot to think about in the Maldives. It was a marvellous experience and I loved every bit of time spent at the schools.”

The IPU seeks to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with government ministries, intergovernmental organisations, educational institutions and private sector entities across the globe. It leverages on the vast resources and skilled expertise available at OUM in offering its academic programmes and other training opportunities to its partners.