APU hosted the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) Network Dialogue 2024, a key event focusing on peace, diversity, and sustainability, highlighted Sustainable Development Goals in Curriculum (SDGiC) Micro-credentials, and brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and regional UNESCO representatives.

Following the successful ASEAN Stakeholder Summit on Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) for Education in May 2024, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) once again hosted a significant event.

The Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) Network Dialogue 2024 brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education (MoE), Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, and representatives from schools, student bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

The event also saw the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in Curriculum (SDGiC) Micro-credentials course developed by the APU UNESCO Chair to aid teachers to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their teaching and learning activities.

The course is made available to all Malaysian schoolteachers through the MoE for Professional Development. Upon completion, teachers will receive certification from both international and local universities and may use the title ‘Guru Lestari’.

Held on 8th August 2024, at APU’s state-of-the-art campus Auditorium 1, the event centered around the theme “Cultivating Peace, Celebrating Diversity”.

Distinguished guests included Datuk Indera Nik Nasarudin Mohd Zawawi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education Malaysia and Vice-President of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO; Ms. Soohyun Kim, Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok; Mr. Wan Hashim Wan Rahim, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Education Malaysia; Ms. Fadzilah Fadzil, Secretary-General of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO; Mr. Zakki Gunawan, National Professional Officer, representing UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta; and Prof. Dr. Abtar Darshan Singh, APU’s Digital Learning Hub Director and UNESCO Chair.

Education Minister who is also the President of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO YB Fadhlina Sidek highlighted the need for peace through empathy, kindness, and open-mindedness.

She urged celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and addressing global challenges with innovative solutions, focusing on sustainability, equity, and innovation.

“Peace begins with our actions promoting empathy and kindness. By setting aside differences and embracing diversity, we can create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued. Our strategies must prioritise sustainability, equity, and innovation for a better future,” she said.

She elaborated that the MoE plans to boost school empowerment through the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), enhancing educational experiences for students and teachers.

Currently, Malaysia boasts 66 ASPnet schools — 26 primary and 40 secondary — that champion sustainable practices, intercultural dialogue, and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

These schools also engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) competitions and a global student forum hosted by ASPnet.

She believes more schools should join ASPnet to benefit from its initiatives, which foster an appreciation of diverse traditions and customs.

“ASPnet promotes tolerance, understanding, and unity, while facilitating knowledge exchange and international partnerships. It lays the groundwork for a culture of peace and respect for diversity,” she said.

Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU, celebrated the successful collaboration with UNESCO, noting the significant achievements made so far.

“Our work with the APU UNESCO Chair has empowered teachers, women, and minorities through literacy and skills development,” he said added that “Being chosen by the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO to host this year’s Network Dialogue is a great honour and a testament to our efforts.”

With sustainability becoming a key focus across various sectors, it is exciting that education is also embracing this shift.

Datuk Parmjit highlighted the launch of the Micro-credentials on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developed in partnership with the American Geoscience Institute (AGI), University Malaya (UM) and APU UNESCO Chair.

He praised YB Fadhlina for her support and vision, recalling her emphasis on equipping teachers and students with digital literacy for a future-proof education.

“This initiative might be a small step towards that vision, and we hope to see more digital literacy projects in the future.”

Datuk Parmjit also shared that “APU students come from more than 130 countries and embrace and celebrate diversity through cultural events throughout the year.”