UPSI honours Rosmah with doctorate in early childhood education
Najib and Rosmah (in background) attend a Bakti children’s open day event. — File picTANJUNG MALIM, May 7 — The prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was today conferred an honorary doctorate of philosophy in early childhood education by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), here.
The honorary degree was awarded to Rosmah, who is also the Permata Negara president, in recognition of her immense contribution to early childhood educational development and to empowering women.
UPSI chancellor, Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara presented the honorary degree to Rosmah at a special session of the university’s 14th convocation ceremony, here.
Also present were the Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
In her acceptance speech, Rosmah said she dedicated the honorary doctorate to all those involved in the formulation and implementation of the Permata programme, the educators and Permata children.
“This honour is also dedicated to my husband, children, family members and colleagues for their continuous support and encouragement,” she said.
Rosmah said early childhood education and care (ECEC) was increasingly recognised as an important component of the education system throughout the world.
She said the Policy Action Plan on Education For All drawn up in April 2000 had outlined “Expanding Early Childhood Education and Care” as a primary objective for the less fortunate.
Rosmah also said that quality ECEC was the foundation for a continuous learning process that should be inculcated in an economy that was based on knowledge, technology and innovation.
“Without doubt, investment in ECEC programmes is not only wise in terms of child development for them to become productive adults, but also in terms of huge returns for the nation.
“Many studies have shown that quality ECEC has reduced the school dropout and crime rates involving youngsters. The country also saves on costs as it does not have to provide remedial or additional classes.”
More importantly, she added, children would develop holistically, thus contributing more to the nation’s future development. — Bernama
