Compiled by FATIMAH ZAINAL and C. ARUNO

       UNITED Chinese School Teachers’ Association (Jiao Zong) has urged the Education Ministry to review its psychological assessment test as it was one of the reasons why many teacher hopefuls failed to be accepted into teacher training, reported Sin Chew Daily.

       Its president, Cheah Lek Aee, said he does not agree that applicants for teacher training colleges be weeded out simply because of a test.

       “I do not agree with the policy of using psychological assessments.

       “How can we judge someone’s suitability to be a teacher just because he failed this test – even before he has had a chance to teach?” he said.

       According to Cheah, if the policy continues, Malaysia will not be able to address its perennial shortage of teachers.

       Instead, Cheah suggested that the psychological assessment make up only 30% to 40% of the score in assessing a candidate.

       The remaining should depend on the candidate’s performance during the interview phase, he said, adding that this would be a fairer assessment of a candidate’s suitability.

       Cheah urged the Ministry to review its recruitment and training process to address the shortage of teachers in the long run.

       > Hong Kong actress and former beauty pageant contestant Sit Yeng Yi will be holding a durian-eating event in Petaling Jaya this week, reported Sin Chew Daily.

       Ten lucky fans will be able to join the 38-year-old, dubbed ATV’s “First Sister”, in enjoying the king of fruits in SS2, according to an announcement by Asia Momentum Media.

       Fans were visibly excited about Sit’s visit, with many hoping to be picked for the event.

       ● The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.