TANJUNG MALIM: Sultan Nazrin Shah officiated the 100th anniversary celebration of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) here.

       The Perak Ruler and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim were greeted by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff upon their arrival yesterday.

       The event was held in recognition of the contributions of the UPSI alumni dating back to the time it was known as Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), and then renamed Sultan Idris Teachers Institute (MPSI) before becoming known as UPSI.

       After the launch, Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara visited an exhibition tracing the early development, history and achievements of UPSI.

       Noraini, in her speech, said technological advancement and the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) required drastic changes in the country’s higher education sector in order to be more proactive and responsive to the environment.

       “The Covid-19 pandemic, for example, has opened the eyes of everyone around the world to the importance of new educational approaches compared with conventional methods and as such, digitisation is among the initiatives that we must adopt,” she said.

       Bernama reported Noraini as saying that the university must learn to adapt, especially with the development and increasing importance of technology.

       She said UPSI should also focus on digitisation in its teaching and learning methods through the expertise available to achieve the country’s aspirations for a holistic and future-proof education system.

       “The ministry has always been supportive of UPSI’s efforts to uphold the quality of education in the country.

       “In this regard, we have high hopes that the UPSI community will continue to fight, empower and explore various approaches to boost learning outcomes and strengthen the national education system.

       “We look forward to seeing UPSI introduce the latest methods, revitalise conventional teaching and learning with digital tools, as well as design a holistic curriculum based on all aspects of human development,” she added.