MCKL Holds Inaugural Teaching & Learning Symposium in Kuala Lumpur and Penang

Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) recently hosted its inaugural Teaching & Learning Symposium with the theme of ‘College Readiness for Academic Success’ at both its Kuala Lumpur and Penang Pykett campuses recently.

College readiness plays a vital role in determining academic success for students pursuing higher education. It encompasses a range of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that enable students to transition smoothly from high school to college and thrive in the higher education environment. The symposium brought together close to 150 educators, administrators and high school students in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, providing them with invaluable insights and resources to thrive academically and transition smoothly into college. The events served as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, foster a culture of collaborative learning, and empowering the next generation of college-bound students.

In his welcome speech, Dr. Chua Ping Yong, CEO of MCKL, spoke on the future employability disruptions due to the rise of artificial intelligence technology on a global scale.

“The most relevant question is not to what extent automation and augmentation of human labour will affect your future employment, but under what conditions the global labour market can support a new balance on the share of labour between human workers, robots, machines, and algorithms in line with the emergence of AI technology in this era.”

“It is not the fear and resistance to change, but rather how we adapt to it. It is not how we stop students from cheating using technology such as ChatGPT, but rather how we can include such a technology in their education,” he said.

Dr. Gerard Boey, Principal, MCKL College (Penang, Pykett Campus) and Academic Dean, encouraged educators and students to embrace digital technology and tools with an open mind to be future-ready for the 21^st century and beyond.

“In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education. Don’t be afraid of new technology and tools such as AI and IoT. We should ‘learn how to learn’ and double up our knowledge so that we will not be obsolete in the future,” he said.

Takshayani Nanthakumar, 18 years old and a high school graduate from SMK Convent Jalan Peel in Kuala Lumpur, expressed that Dr. Gerard’s keynote address was inspiring and motivating. “Compared to other talks and workshops that I’ve attended before, Dr. Gerard spoke on something different such as AI and how we should embrace it with an open mind. I learned a lot on effective listening skills, body language and posture, and setting realistic goals within my capability,” she said.

Takshayani will be commencing her Cambridge A Level study in July in MCKL. As part of her preparation, she will be looking through the module and syllabus to get an overview of what to expect in her studies. She is prepared to seek guidance and pick up soft skills from senior peers and lecturers.

Noor Fatihah Bt Mohd Zani and Nur Shafina Binti Mohamad, who are both counselling teachers from SMK Bukit Jambul in Penang, expressed that the symposium was insightful and engaging.

“The workshops organised were interactive and offered practical strategies and tools for the students to enhance their readiness for college. Topics such as effective note-taking techniques, critical thinking skills, research methodologies, and exam preparation were explored in depth. These workshops allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and gain hands-on experience in applying these strategies to their own studies,” they said.

These interactive sessions facilitated an open dialogue, enabling students to gain insider perspectives on college life, academic challenges, and support systems available on campus. Such interactions helped alleviate concerns and build confidence among the students, assuring them that they were not alone in their college aspirations.

The workshops also allowed educators to gain a deeper understanding of student needs, preferences, and challenges. Students were also encouraged to interact with their peers from different schools, creating a supportive community of like-minded individuals. By actively involving students through such engagements, MCKL demonstrated its commitment to student-centered education and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Additionally, symposium participants had the chance to tour MCKL’s campus and network with MCKL representatives and lecturers to establish valuable connections that could provide guidance and support throughout their college application process and beyond.

MCKL’s first Teaching & Learning Symposium was a resounding success, with high school students at the forefront of this transformative event. This inaugural symposium was a testament to MCKL’s commitment to foster educational excellence and ensuring that students are well-prepared to embark on their higher education journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

For teaching and learning collaborative initiatives with MCKL, contact: