Curtin Malaysia to host inaugural Rethink Education Forum on 26 August

Miri – 9 August 2023 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) will be hosting its first-ever Rethink Education Forum with the theme ‘Rethink Education in a Fast-Changing World: Technological Advancement and Climate Change’ on 26 August 2023.

It will be held from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm in Lecture Theatre SK3-102 in the Skylark 3 building of its Faculty of Engineering and Science. The forum will be conducted in hybrid mode, so those who would like to participate online can also do so via Cisco Webex at https://bit.ly/RethinkForum2023.

The forum will bring together educators, researchers, and industry experts to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the future of education, covering both conventional and alternative approaches, from pre-school to university level.

It will provide a platform for participants to delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the fast-changing technological landscape and issues around climate change. With emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics reshaping various industries, it is imperative to prepare future generations for a world that demands adaptability, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills.

In a novel approach showcasing alternative education, the forum recommends prior viewing of a documentary series, ‘Dear Child, How Are You?’ ( 孩子，你 好 吗？) by the Little Yellow Flower Foundation to provide participants with some insights into the topic of the forum and support the education foundation. A preview of the documentary series can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjKDs7NwBA.

The documentary series, which will be screened exclusively at GSC Bintang Megamall, comprises three episodes, where Episode 1: The Journey of Sinje ( 我的名字叫李心 洁 ) and Episode 2: Hilltop House ( 山 顶小屋 )  will be screened from 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm on 19 August; Episode 2: Hilltop House ( 山 顶小屋 )  and Episode 3: We Rode an Ostrich ( 鸵鸟骑士 ) from 1 pm to 3.30 pm on 20 August, and again from 10 am to 12,30 pm on 26 August.

Corporate sponsorship from SIKAR Professionals Sdn. Bhd., YLI Industry Sdn. Bhd., and Borneo Hot-Mix Sdn. Bhd. have allowed the lowering of the ticket price for the screenings to just RM10. However, only a limited number of tickets will be available and pre-booking and payment are recommended.

To book a ticket, go to https://payments.curtin.edu.my (under Training and Short Courses). Once a booking and payment has been made, seats will be assigned and tickets will be available for collection at GSC Bintang Megamall half an hour before screening times.

During the forum, panel discussions and interactive sessions will explore various aspects of education, including curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and the integration of emerging technologies into learning environments. Experts will share insights on the importance of cultivating a holistic educational experience that combines academic rigor with real-world applications and soft skill development.

The event will showcase both conventional and alternative education models, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations on the role of technology in education and the challenges faced in bridging the digital divide to ensure equal access to quality education.

Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia and the forum’s organising chair, shared his excitement about the event, stating, “The 1st Rethink Education Forum aligns with Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to fostering innovative approaches to education and preparing students for the future. By bringing together experts in education, we aim to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration to drive positive change and innovation in the field of education.”

He said a successful inaugural Rethink Education Forum will set the stage for future collaborations, research initiatives, and innovative practices in the education sector. Curtin Malaysia looks forward to further advancing the dialogue on preparing future generations for a rapidly changing technological world focused on sustainable development, ensuring quality education for all.

For more information on the 1st Rethink Education Forum, contact Associate Professor Wong at 085-630 100 ext. 2503 or email wongkwongsoon@curtin.edu.my.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at www.curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

The future of education, covering both conventional and alternative approaches, will the focus of the forum