Singapore - Singapore and Malaysia are enhancing cooperation to develop even more leaders in the area of education.
On Monday, the two countries signed an agreement to train school principals, in a ceremony witnessed by Education Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen and his Malaysian counterpart, Hishamuddin Hussein — who is here on a two—day visit.
This is the first meeting between the ministers since Dr Ng was appointed education minister on April 1.
’The Agreement of Cooperation and Exchange’ was signed between the National Institute of Education and the Institut Aminuddin Baki.
Under the new deal, educational leaders from both countries will be given a platform to learn and develop, as well as deepen school linkages.
Prior to the agreement, 30 principals from Singapore and Malaysia took part in an exchange programme last month.
Participants said this is one way to learn what it takes to teach in a Chinese—majority Singapore and Malay—majority Malaysia.
Dr Ng said, "The idea is not to make sure that Singapore and Malaysia are the same... but to (be) able to understand each other’s differences and... build stronger bonds (despite that)."
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (23 April 2008)
