Prominent Malay literary figure Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan was named the recipient of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Tokoh Guru Suluh Budiman Award 2023 today.
The former Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general received the award from Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, who is also UPSI Chancellor, at the varsity’s Teacher’s Day and Aidilfitri celebration at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus here.
Born in Kampung Teluk Kerang, Pontian, Johor, Awang once held the Za’ba Chair at UPSI, as well as chair of the Malaysian government’s Malay Studies in China, and served as a visiting professor at several leading international universities.
He received a cash prize of RM5,000, a sash and a certificate.
Besides Awang, 22 other individuals received awards in various categories in conjunction with the Teacher’s Day celebration.
Earlier, Tuanku Zara presented the Tokoh Guru Alumni Award to eight recipients, including state Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah; former Perlis State Assembly speaker Datuk Hamdan Bahari; 15th National Laureate Datuk Rahman Shaari; Hadiah Sastera Malaysia 2014 recipient Prof Dr Abdul Halim Ali; and renowned composed Rozman Shafie or better known as LY.
Fourteen teachers were also selected to receive the Excellent Teacher Award, including the National Educational Technology Teacher Icon Abd Rahman Ali Bashah; Malaysia Teacher Prize 2022 winner Anuthra Sirisena; and recipient of the Tokoh Abdullah Uraiqith Award at the Melaka Maulidur Rasul celebration 2021, Chan Chin Ho.
Award recipients in both categories received a commemorative coin in conjunction with 100 Years of SITC-MPSI-IPSI-UPSI and a certificate.
Meanwhile, UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, in his speech, said the theme for this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration, Guru Insani Pemangkin Generasi MADANI, reflected the desire to recognise educators who are knowledgeable and of good character.
He said the theme was also symbolic of teachers’ role in developing students’ values so they do not rely solely on good grades but also manners, morals, and academics.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
