UPSI Confers Honorary PhD In Early Childhood Education On M'sian PM's Wife

TANJUNG MALIM (Perak, Malaysia), May 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian prime minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor was today conferred an honorary PhD degree 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, wife of the Crown Prince of Perak (Raja Puan Besar Perak) Tuanku Zara presented the PhD honorary degree to Rosmah at a special session of the university's 14th convocation ceremony, here, Monday. Also present were the Crown Prince of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Higher Education Minister of Malaysia Mohd Khaled Nordin and Perak Menteri Besar 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 in fact 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 vitally be encultured 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