What is Green Technology?“Green technology is the development and application of products,equipment and systems used to conserve the natural environment and resources, which minimizes and reduces the negative impact of human activities”CRITERIA OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY: • It minimizes the degradation of the environment;

It has a zero or low green house gas (GHG) emission;It is safe for use and promotes healthy and improved environment for all forms of life; It conserves the use of energy and natural resources; and It promotes the use of renewable resources.

Why Green Technology?

Green Technology- solve the problems of destruction of the environment and natural resources - increase health levels and the quality of life - conserve the ecosystem as well as costs to the government in overcoming the negative effects from development - an alternative to improving the national economy without harming the environment

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Green-Technology-In-Malaysia-994475.html

Why Solar Power ?

1. Companies locally incorporated under the Companies Act 1965 with solar systems installed are qualified to apply for Investment Tax Allowance or Pioneer Status withincome tax exemption. Under the Budget 2011 announcement: this incentive will be extended for applications received until 31 December 2015. 

2. Energy from sunlight is abundance and Malaysia is blessed with consistent sunlight all year round. Hence, more power output can be generated from the system.

3. Solar energy is sustainable energy. By using Solar Photovoltaic (PV) to generate electricity for your home you aren't depleting the planet of anything that it needs and nor are you pumping out any nasty by-products such as carbon dioxide.

4. The residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) hardly needs any maintenance once it has been installed. Also, it last for a very long time as compared to other sources of electricity generation that needs regular monitoring and heavy maintenance. If you are a business using it, you gain trust by being environmental friendly and receive additional tax deduction benefits from government for using the clean power.

http://www.greeninnotech.com.my/solar.html

Green building basically refers to being environmentally friendly from the point of inception, design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. These are the areas for consideration for green building:

Effective utilisation of renewable resources such as solar, wind, water, etc Minimising negative technological impact to occupants of the building Improving productivity of employees via the green technology introduced within the building Utilisation of natural materials available locally Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation by recycling The aim is for green approach taken when constructing structures to promote healthier, better and conducive

environment to both the internal patrons as well as the environment as a whole. The LEO (Low Energy Office) Building in Putrajaya, The Green Energy Office Building in Selangor, G tower

Building in Kuala Lumpur

http://www.greentechmalaysia.my/Pages/pages.aspx?View=GreenBuilding#second

Green VehicleAutomobile industry continuously aspire to reinvent the technology propelling innovation such as hybrid cars and hydrogen fuel cells. Eventually, the innovation will ensure better fuel economy, lower greenhouse gases and improved tailpipe emission.

Alternative Fuels:

Hybrids combine two or more different propulsion systems, typically a gasoline engine and one or more electric drive motors. Most hybrids on the road today complement their gas engines by charging a battery when breaking. Hybrids get more MPG or miles per gallon than most non-hybrids, and usually have very low tailpipe emissions.

Electric cars does not produce localised emissions as it’s propelled by electric motors that run on batteries charged at home, or special electric vehicle charging stations.

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. As a fuel, ethanol can be used in more than 30 flex fuel vehicle models that have been designed to run on alcohol, gasoline, or any combination of the two fuels from the same tank. Most ethanol today is produced from corn or sugar cane, although this will change as cheaper cellulosic ethanol made from fast growing woody grasses and other biomass becomes a reality.

Hydrogen cars are among the cleanest cars on the road, emitting oxygen and water vapor only. Hydrogen is the cleanest burning of all liquid and gaseous alternative fuels.

Natural gas is a clean-burning alternative fossil fuel that can easily power internal combustion engine vehicles. The domestic abundance of natural gas makes it a highly attractive alternative fuel option.

Plug in hybrid technology allows gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to be recharged from the grid and run many miles on battery power alone. A gas engine provides additional driving range as needed after the battery power is gone. Plug in hybrids may never need to run on anything but electricity for shorter commutes. The combination of gas and electric driving technologies can already achieve up to 150 mpg.

Biodiesel can be made from various sources including soybeans and biomass. Biodiesel can be used in most diesel powered cars without modification.

Air powered cars are relatively new to the green car scene. Compressed air is currently being explored as a viable 'alternative fuel' to efficiently power car engines with little or no environmental impact.

Renewable Energy (RE) is energy manipulated from natural resources such as wind, solar, rain and tides which are naturally replenished. RE resources are reliable, efficient and competitive compared to conventional technologies.

How to Be a Good Citizen

Human beings are used to living under laws and patterns that are dictated to us by society, but following those patterns does not make us good citizens. To be a good citizen first you have to be a good person. By that I mean that you have to be full of values, principles, ethics, etc. When joining all these aspects together you will find out that there is nothing else to be needed.

One important aspect for being a good citizen is to help people. All around us, we can see there are always people in need for our help. Our job as good citizens is to help those kinds of people. When talking about the people that need our help, I am not only talking about the poor ones, but also the pregnant woman who cannot carry a heavy package or the old man that cannot cross the street. Remember that little actions make the difference.Another important thing we have to remember for being a good citizen is to have an active participation in our community. There are a lot of ways we can do that. When elections come for voting for the governor, we have to be in the line ready to give our vote. When there is a gathering of our neighborhood for deciding about the maintenance of the streets, we have to be there to tell our point of view.The last recommendation for being a good citizen is the respect toward the people that live around us. We have to remember that as we have rights, they have them too. Respect is one of the most important bases when living in a society. We all have freedom, but it is restricted to certain point. We cannot consider a killer or thief good citizens as they have violated that restriction.Through this essay, there have been exposed some ideas of what I think are the most important aspects for being good citizens inside a community. Now-a-days the relationships between people have been really deteriorated by misunderstandings that are generated day by day. To avoid having to deal with these kinds of situations, we have to be aware that the solution is in us. Values and ethics should be inculcated to people as they mature, as that kind of information will built them for being good citizens.http://www.eslbee.com/how_to_be_a_good_citizen.htm

The effective ways to make Malaysia well-known internationallyTHESIS SENTENCE  There are many ways to make Malaysia renowned worldwide, which is to actively promote Malaysia, provide access to world-class education and advertise unique  culture  through  electronic  mass media . 

Actively Promote Malaysia as a premier  travel destination

* Focusing on promoting  Malaysia as an all-in-one destination will enhance its profile as a world destination.*  Perfect holiday  places for all types of travellers.* For the urbanites, they can go to Peninsula Malaysia to explore. For the nature lovers and the  outdoor adventurer , there is Borneo Island to discover. 

Build a regional reputation by providing access to high-quality  education and training  for both international and domestic student* Attract more non- local  students to  study in Malaysia  by developing our country into a regional education hub/ pursuing world-class education* The tertiary sector must continue to internationalize their institutions by attracting excellent  foreign students  and encourage more international collaborations and exchanges in teaching and research. * The reputation of this sector is a crucial factor that can attract international students  from different parts of the region. 

Advertise unique cultures of Malaysia through  televisions  and websites.* Electronic mass media can help establish a connection and create awareness  about Malaysia as a destination with the hospitality of the Malaysian culture and its people. * The fusion and intermingling of unique quality of Malaysia Culture highlighted in the media can have a tremendous effect to cultivate keen interest on foreigner to know about our country.CONCLUSIONIt requires a nation-level effort to make our country famous on the global stage . Every citizen requires to play their part in making Malaysia well-known internationally

http://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Effective-Ways-To-Make-Malaysia-1856560.html

How to Respect Other CulturesEdited by Elyne, Violet, Maluniu, Whoze and 5 othersSometimes, when wrapped  up in the midst of our own beliefs, we can find it challenging to accept others ways of  life  and rituals. However, close mindedness and intolerance are not the way to go, especially when

there is so much we can learn about other  cultures . Learning to accept and respect other cultures is an important step that opens your mind to the world around you and everyone's unique differences.

1Develop an open mind. Open the doors of your mind to  accepting  what other people believe in. Try not to stereotype or brush things off when you haven't actually taken a closer look yet. Try to get away from the personal frame and adopt an observational one.

2

Study religion. Though you may have your own faith, don't be afraid to look at other people's. This doesn't mean you have to  change  your beliefs  or what you think is true, it simply means you are being open minded and interested in other people's cultures and lives. Try visiting temples or reading a few  story books . Remember you do not have to convert or essentially believe everything - just be interested and observe, and remember that everyone has their right to believe in something.

3

Take a look at history. The way some civilizations developed can be fascinating! Try  studying  about  ancient Egypt , the  Indus Valley Civilization  or Tudor history. When you start studying, you'll understand how things wove together to form the world we live in today. It's a great piece of knowledge to have, so don't deprive yourself of it! There are plenty of books and sites available to fuel your curiosity. Appreciate the way different people fought for what they believed in, even if those beliefs differ from yours.

4

Try some new cuisines. Sample some Italian or try your  hand  at cooking  curry . Enjoy different foods and the different ways meals are prepared. Don't restrict yourself, try everything!

5

Talk to people. If you know people from different cultures, talk to them. It will help you understand that though they may believe and practise different things, that doesn't make them strange or backward. Developing friendships with those from other cultures can be a really great experience.

http://www.wikihow.com/Respect-Other-Cultures

Malaysia and the Knowledge EconomyPosted by Eric on December 17th, 2007Earlier this month, the Malaysian Ministry for Higher Education and the World Bank hosted the Regional Higher Education Conference Strategic Choices for Higher Education Reform in Kuala Lumpur. The joint

MOHE/World Bank conference was not a coincidence. The timing of the event coincided with the completion of a research report by the Malaysian Economic Planning Unit and the World Bank: “Malaysia and the Knowledge Economy: Building a World-Class Higher Education System” (pdf 1 MB).The 258 page report presents a good analysis of the current situation and puts forward some sound policy recommendations. Most of these are in line with my own observations and my field work that I conducted inMalaysia last year. Below is an executive summary of the executive summary and a few additional thoughts and observations coming from my side:

Introduction

The progress of the Malaysia economy in recent decades has been nothing short of impressive, a reflection of strong macroeconomic management and political stability. However, Malaysia’s sustained competitive edge is not guaranteed. Recent efforts by the Government have brought about significant achievements, attesting that with appropriate funding, dedication, and high caliber leadership, Malaysian universities can achieve excellence. However, few Malaysian universities have achieved a competitive position internationally.

Steering and Governance

The attainment of world class status by Malaysia universities hinges, in part, on keeping a fine balance between two competing objectives: expanding the system and improving quality. Relaxing the administrative and financial rules and controls that public universities are required to conform to in their daily management would allow them to focus on important institutional development issues. The 1996 legislative framework that was designed to enhance public university autonomy as part of the “corporatization” reform should be fully implemented, along with some strategic additions.

Cost sharing and accessibility

There are clear indications that Malaysian students and families are willing to contribute to the cost of their education, provided they can enroll in universities perceived as offering good quality and relevant programs. However, as universities consider increasing tuition fees to promote cost-sharing, they must ensure that this does not have adverse effects on equity, particularly with respect to student loans and grants.To promote greater efficiency and innovativeness in the use of public resources, the Government should consider expanding the amount of funds available to universities through performance-based funding mechanisms. To integrate its research universities into the global research community, Malaysia will need to consider several options for restructuring its research funding mechanisms. One of the most effective ways of allocating research funds is to promote the development of centers of excellence.

Quality

While quality education may be defined in terms of internationally accepted criteria and standards for academic programs and educational experiences, a “world-class” education implies achieving a much higher threshold of quality where academic performance and output are measured relative to a league of very select institutions. Academic programs could be reformed to enhance the transparency and quality assurance mechanisms of the Malaysian higher education system. High quality teaching and innovative methods of delivery, particularly at the undergraduate level, are key components of top level universities. This requires avoiding excessive teaching loads, enabling integration of research experiences in undergraduate courses, relating course evaluations to promotion considerations and applying transparent criteria for faculty promotion. The current faculty shortage can be addressed by reviewing the current retirement age of 56. Student learning must be enhanced so that graduates can succeed in the local and international labor markets.

Employability

Concerns about the workplace relevance of university education remain. The Government has responded to the rising numbers of unemployed graduates with numerous commendable policy initiatives. But the main challenge for policy makers is not simply ensuring that graduates find employment, but rather employment that best uses their education. The Government could focus on several longer-term policy priorities to encourage more efficient labor markets that will lead to improvements in labor market outcomes

for university graduates and for other educational groups, and a more effective transmission of knowledge and skills from education and training institutions to the real economy.

The national innovation systemMalaysia’s quest to become a sophisticated knowledge-based economy is likely to be frustrated, unless policies to link Malaysian firms with universities and research institutes are strengthened. A world-class national higher education system is a sine qua non for improving the national innovation system. The Ninth Malaysia Plan sets the ambitious target that science & technology activities contribute at least one-third of Malaysia’s annual economic growth. However, Malaysia’s skills and technology upgrading policies did not have the intended effects. Besides support to the university system to achieve “world class” status, and the policy to ensure continued growth, prosperity, and rising standards of living, Malaysia must move towards becoming an innovative knowledge-based economy. This will both reinforce the demand for universities to produce students with skills for innovation and encourage a spirit of innovation throughout the education sector. A variety of complementary policy reforms can help to improve the efficiency of the Malaysian national innovation system in which universities will play a major role:

Funding research competitively and selectively. Establishing professionally managed Technology Commercialization Offices housed in selected

universities. Developing a Technology Broker program. Involving the universities in regional development efforts. Strengthening university-industry linkages. Building the institutional capacity for third mission activities. Developing entrepreneurship courses. Aligning the university culture with the business culture.

In conclusion

The Malaysian higher education system is at a critical point in its evolution. The Government has the potential to continue to build on past achievements and foster a system that meets the needs of a leading knowledge-based economy. At the same time, without focused and strategic reforms, the Malaysian higher education system may lag behind neighboring countries that are actively developing and rewarding the most innovative and accomplished universities. Such reforms will need to focus on:

1. choosing more effective governance and financing models;2. improving the overall quality of the universities with a focus on academic programs, faculty

management, and student learning;3. equipping university graduates with the tools necessary for a knowledge-based economy;4. strengthening the national innovation system by creating stronger links between Malaysian firms

and universities.

Although the report appears to do a good job in diagnosing the problems and in finding the appropriate solutions for them, the crucial part will be in the way in which the recommendations will be actually transposed into policies and – even more important – whether the policies will actually be effectuated. I have come across many good initiatives that address the issues above, but many of them lack real results because they get stuck in government bureaucracy, in existing vested interests or because of contradicting governmental policies in adjacent fields.

The autonomy (or corporatisation) as foreseen in the 1996 reforms has never been actually implemented or realised. Therefore, the most important recommendation is to come to a true implementation of autonomy in Malaysian higher education. Hopefully this report marks the start of truly meritocratic policies and true freedom and autonomy of the Malaysian higher education institutions. This will in turn also enhance the innovative capacity of the Malaysian economy and the society as a whole

http://blog.beerkens.info/index.php/2007/12/malaysia-and-the-knowledge-economy/

What is a K-based economy?3. There are many definitions of a K-based economy, all revolving around the notion of aneconomy based on the production, distribution and utilisation of knowledge, which constitutes

the primary engine of growth and wealth creation in the economy. For Malaysia’s purpose, itis proposed that a knowledge-based economy be defined as an economy in which knowledge,creativity and innovation play an ever-increasing and important role in generating and sustaininggrowth.4. In a K-based economy, knowledge is the most critical factor of production. It generates morewealth than the other traditional factors of production, land, labour and capital. It is also acommodity in itself. This is in contrast to a production-based economy, where knowledge playsa less prominent role, and growth is driven largely by the accumulation of the traditional factorsof production. In a K-based economy, educated and skilled human resources, or human capital,is the most valuable asset.5. In a K-based economy, a high proportion of its GDP derives from knowledge-based andknowledge-enabling industries such as high- and medium-technology industries, financial andother business services, and the teaching profession. K-based economies are also characterisedby high investment in R&D, high literacy, high tertiary education enrolments, good technologyrelated capacity and skills, strength in innovation, and high ICT penetration and Internet usage.Why the K-based economy?6. There are at least seven reasons why Malaysia should undertake the development of aK-based economy:● Malaysia’s global competitiveness has seen some erosion.● Foreign competition has increased.● Globalisation and liberalisation are motivating Malaysia to prospect for new products andservices that will be competitive in the global market.● There is a need to seek higher value-added, partly to offset higher costs.● There is a need to move into more profitable and wealth-generating stages of production.● New sources of growth are required.● There is a need to meet the challenge of enhancing total factor productivityTHE ROAD TO THE K-BASED ECONOMYI INTRODUCTION1. In charting the road to the K-based economy, Malaysia must take cognisance of severalfundamental factors. These include: The aspirations of its people, as reflected in the Federal and State Constitutions, theRukunegara, and Vision 2020. The total strategic environment, domestic as well as external, that impinges upon the country. Among the important elements in this regard are the impact of globalisation andliberalisation, positive as well as negative, on the nation’s economy. The country’s present economic structure and trends. Existing capacity in the country and the potential resources at its disposal.II THE VISION2. Malaysia’s vision must be to build a strong and resilient, vibrant and competitive economy -growing by an annual average rate of growth of 7 per cent until the year 2020 - driven moststrongly by a dramatic increase in the application of knowledge to production and thedevelopment of new knowledge-intensive industries.3. To achieve this vision, Malaysia must aim to grow significantly faster than 7 per cent in theremaining years of the first decade of the millennium because growth is expected to moderatein the second decade as the economy becomes more developed. The recent financial crisis whichenveloped the region emphasises the necessity to dramatically invigorate growth rates in thecoming years.4. If Malaysia is able to achieve this average annual growth rate of 7 per cent, it will havesucceeded in accomplishing its generational income-doubling plan. Its GNP, having doubledevery decade, would be eight times larger in 2020 than in 1990.5. The growth plan envisaged in the K-based economy will be dependent to a significant extent onraising the growth rates of Total Factor Productivity (TFP). TFP is vital because it reflects theincreasing importance of knowledge, human capital, innovation and investments in Informationand Communications Technology (ICT) in the K-based economy. The growth path will beachievable with the comprehensive and sustained application of knowledge content into alleconomic activities and the knowledge industries as well as significant advances in humancapital. The contribution of TFP to growth is expected to be high. In order to sustain the growth,it is imperative that capital deepening continues, especially for ICT, as well as the raising of theproductivity of capital.

http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN013975.pdf

Six actionable strategies to improve your graduate employability

Landing that sought after graduate position takes commitment, persistence and a little creativity. Here are six actionable strategies you can employ to make yourself more attractive to prospective graduate employers.1. Learn how to present effectivelyBeing able to present to an audience effectively is a highly useful skill in many graduate occupations, as well as during interview and selection processes. Gaining confidence in public speaking can be challenging but with practice you are certain to improve.One excellent way to hone your presentation skills is by joining your local Toastmasters club. This is an international organization that is dedicated to helping people learn to present in front of audiences effectively. You will practice presentations in front of a group of individuals who are also looking to improve their skills and will benefit from the experience and feedback you gain.2. Learn a second languageIn an increasingly globalized economy, learning a language such as Spanish or Portuguese can be very attractive to graduate employers and it’s a lot easier than many expect! With just a half-hour’s investment of home study per day, you can expect to have a reasonable command of a second language within six months.Check out home study courses, such as those of Michelle Thomas, Rosetta Stone and Pearson. Also, have a look for classes in your area for practical experience.3. Start an internet businessThrough the internet it is possible for anyone to quickly and effectively start a business. Think of an idea or topic you are passionate about, buy a domain for around $20 and install Wordpress onto it. Next, populate the site with some content written by yourself.To monetize the website consider adding Google adsense adverts or links to an affiliate scheme, such as Amazon’s very accessible set-up.No matter how small the revenues, the commercial acumen this demonstrates will be extremely desirable to prospective graduate employers.4. Improve your interview techniqueWithout question, the success of your interview with a potential employer will heavily influence the outcome of your application.

Dale Carnegie’s 1930s classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People is full of simple but effective tips on how to improve your interpersonal skills that will be invaluable when attending job interviews.Spend some time reading and practicing his tips on more effective human relations and you will likely see the benefits when meeting with potential graduate employers.5. Become a manager of something… Anything!A large portion of graduate positions have the aim, whether short or long term, of providing the employer with its future managerial talent. However, many new graduates have little, if any, experience in management.You do not need to only look to the workplace to gain managerial experience. Through a sports team, club, society or group, you can also gain management experience that will help demonstrate you have the leadership skills that a prospective employer is looking for.6. Get some experience first!You are probably sick of hearing this one, but it cannot be emphasized enough. If you can get some experience – any – in the position or industry you are aiming to get into, you will be infinitely more likely to land a graduate position in it.

You may have already tried to get some work experience but had difficulties in securing an opportunity. Try a new approach. Consider unpaid work, cast the net further and make contact directly with the decision makers at the organization. This can be done effectively through facebook, Linked In, email or telephone. Check the company website to find the appropriate person’s details.

http://au.gradconnection.com/blog/post/six-actionable-strategies-to-improve-your-graduate-employability/

Less is More

It's incredibly important to be selective when writing your CV and making applications, as you can easily get bogged down if you try and include too much information (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/14/What-is-Employability-and-How-Do-I-Get-It.aspx#continue). Jonathan offered a great tip to improve your chances of securing a graduate position: 'pick your top 3 defining moments to date and make sure you get that across in your C.V, in your interview and on your LinkedIn profile. It’s important employers can easily interpret the values you stand for and your top accomplishments. When you’re up against the other 83 applicants of a similar standard you’ll stand out for one or two reasons – make sure they’re exceptional!' 

Get the Skills to SucceedIn order to actually be successful, you've got to make sure you've got the skills you require to be successful. There's a huge range of skills you'll require in order to achieve in the world of work; from inspirational leadership to time management to effective communication skills. Jack highlighted the importance of languages in HSBC, and indeed the wider business world, and explained the role the Business Language Champions play at HSBC in promoting languages to secondary school students (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/02/Talk-the-talk.aspx#continue). Languages are becoming ever more important in business, and learning a new language will not only boost your CV but it will also open new exciting opportunities to you once you start your career. Experience, experience, experienceA running theme through all the articles from the past month is the vital importance of making sure you have relevant experience when making job applications. Danyal explained how the year long placement he completed helped him to successfully apply to the HSBC Executive Management scheme (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/26/Employability-Advice-from-a-Current-HSBC-Graduate.aspx#continue). Susan's article highlights the fact that any work experience can be beneficial to you, as long as you can demonstrate the skills and cababilities you learnt from your role (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/24/Thoughts-from-across-the-globe.aspx#continue). Everyday jobs can be the key to proving you've got the skills to succeed- working in a bar can be a great way to prove you have outstanding communication skills, and being Vice-President of a society at university can demonstrate your natural leadership ability. Always be PreparedSean highlighted the importance of always being prepared to take any opportunities that come along (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/02/21/Are-You-Ready.aspx#continue). It's vitally important when you are applying for jobs not to simply wait for opportunities to come to you- because they never will. To be successful you need to actively seek out opportunities, ensure you are always striving to gain new experience and take steps to make yourself more employable. Above all; make sure you're always ready to act.  Employability: Capabilities, Experience   and Attitude Employability can seem a daunting concept. But if you break employability down into its three key areas of attitude, capabilities and experience then you can see the steps you can take to make yourself more employable (http://graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/19/Improving-your-Employability.aspx#continue). Employability should not be thought of as a single quality; but rather the combination of a number of smaller qualities into one overall package

http://www.graduateblog.com/post/2013/03/30/Improve-your-Employability.aspx

Benefits of good educationIn today's world, a good education is essential. Not only will one be able to make better decisions in life, but also obtain higher pay and respectable careers with a good education.A good education not only teaches one the essential skills of the working world; it also prepares the mind to make sane, healthy, and intelligent decisions about any situation that one may encounter in life's journey.A good education helps one to determine between what is right and what is wrong.Although there are several benefits to a good education, the main benefit is that it makes one a better person in all aspects of life.Education is a basic human right, and has been recognised as such since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.Since then, numerous human rights treaties have reaffirmed this right, and have supported entitlement to free, compulsory primary education for all children.In 1990, the Education for All (EFA) commitment was launched to ensure that by 2015 all children, particularly girls, those in difficult circumstances and those belonging to ethnic minorities, have access to and complete, free and compulsory primary education of good quality.It is a key to attaining the Millennium Development Goals. It is universally recognised as one of the most fundamental building blocks for human development and poverty reduction. Without education, you are nowhere in this time and age.We can say that education is simply the soul of a society, as it passes from generation to another. It is also is universally recognised as one of the most fundamental building blocks for human development and poverty reduction.When given the opportunity to learn, people are empowered to contribute fully to the development of their lives, their communities, and their countries.Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality, and helps lay the foundation for sustained economic growth.Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.Both individuals and countries benefit from education. For individuals, the potential benefits lie in general quality of life and in the economic returns of sustained, satisfying employment.For countries, the potential benefits lie in economic growth, and the development of shared values that underpin social cohesion.http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/benefits-of-good-education

The benefits of a good education don’t just involve the extensive knowledge that you can impart on others.

By attending school, college and even university, you are able to develop study skills that make you more

employable. Whenever you are completing mathematical equations, you are applying your ability to solve

problems, while also proving that you can work numerically. As you type up your historical essay, the gift

you have to use computers also proves that you would be an asset to any workplace. Finally, as you read

out poetry in front of your English Literature class, you’re showing how beneficial it is to

have communication skills, highlighting how you can conduct public speaking in confidence.

It can seem that there isn’t much point to some subjects, but not only does a good education give you a

well-rounded understanding of the world, but it prepares you for adulthood. If you are lucky enough to go to

a prestigiouscollege or university because of your academic excellence, you will also receive outstanding

education in an institution that is well known for its reputation. An employer is a lot likelier to pay attention to

your credentials if they can see you worked hard and went to a leading university, so trying your best is

worthwhile. 

A good education says a lot about you: It shows you have commitment.  Spending three years to get an

undergraduate degree might not always be a bed of roses, but your perseverance to the course shows that

you are also a dedicated individual. An employer doesn’t want to enlist a person who might disappear in a

few weeks, instead, they’ll be looking for a hard-working team player who will be there for the long haul. By

sticking to your education, it’s easy to prove yourself to be this person, giving you the promising future you

deserve.

In today's world, a good education is essential. Not only will one be able to make better decisions in life,

one will also be able to obtain higher paying and respected careers with a good education. A good

education not only teaches one the essential skills of the working world, it also prepares the mind to make

sane, healthy, and intelligent decisions about any situation that one may encounter on life's journey. A good

education helps one to determine between what is right and what is wrong. The ability to read, write and

perform basic mathematical operations is valuable in any job or career. Professionals who make high

salaries are those who have excelled in their basic educational skills of reading, writing, and maths.

Although there are several benefits to a good education, the main benefit is that it makes one a better

person in all aspects of their life.

http://education.blurtit.com/42586/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-good-education

Importance of Education in SocietyEducation, if looked at beyond its conventional boundaries, forms the very essence of all our actions. What we do is what we know and have learned, either through instructions or through observation and assimilation. When we are not making an effort to learn, our mind is always processing new information or trying to analyze the similarities as well as the tiny nuances within the context which makes the topic stand out or seem different. If that is the case then the mind definitely holds the potential to learn more, however, it is us who stop ourselves from expanding the horizons of our knowledge with self-doubt or other social, emotional, or economic constraints.

While most feel that education is a necessity, they tend to use it as a tool for reaching a specific target or personal mark, after which there is no further need to seek greater education. Nonetheless, the importance of education in society is indispensable and cohering, which is why society and knowledge cannot be ever separated into two distinct entities. Let us find out more about the role of education in society and how it affects our lives.

Purpose of Education in Society

Education is Self EmpowermentReceiving a good education helps empower you, thus making you strong enough to look after yourself in any given situation. It keeps you aware of your given surrounding as well as the rules and regulations of the society you're living in. It's only through knowledge that you can be able to question authority for its negligence or discrepancies. It is only then that you can avail your rights as a citizen and seek improvement in the structural functioning of governance and economy. It's only when a citizen is aware about the policies of its government can he be able to support or protest the change. As a whole, people can bring about development only when they know where improvement is necessary for the greater good of mankind. Education helps you understand yourself better, it helps you realize your potential and qualities as a human being. It helps you to tap into latent talent, so that you may be able to sharpen your skills.

Financial Stability and Dignity of LifeAnother importance of education is that it helps you gain sufficient academic qualification so that you are

able to get suitable employment at a later stage. A decent employment would be combined with hard-earned remuneration or salary through which you can look after your personal expenses. While you earn for yourself, you gradually begin to realize the true worth of money and how hard it is to earn it. You realize the significance of saving for a rainy day and for unforeseeable contingencies. You feel empowered because there is a new sense of worth that develops within you, and you feel the need to be independent and free from any further financial support. You take pride in the fact that you are earning for yourself, and are not obligated to anyone.

Growth in Personal AspirationThere also comes a phase when the amount you are earning presently will seem inadequate because your aspirations and expectations from yourself would have grown considerably. After this, you will want to change jobs so as to have a higher profile. However, here is when you need to be prepared. A promotion of this figure can occur in two given situations, which are, that either you have the necessary higher academic qualification or a college degree which allows you a safe passage, or that you have amassed enough practical experience which allows you to be a suitable candidate for the employment you seek.

On the Job EfficiencyThis is why college education is very important after high school and must not be taken for granted. When faced with the option of choosing between a highly qualified candidate and a not so educated candidate, the employers will most probably go in for the qualified person. The reason being that, a qualified candidate will not require much investment of the employer's time and money. The organization need not teach him or her the tricks of the trade, or the various ways of functioning and performing the tasks of the workplace. On the contrary, a novice / amateur applicant would need to be taught everything from scratch, which many employer's are usually not willing to do. The same applies for people who seek higher education and get advanced diplomas while working. These people are continuously improving their profile and their knowledge base so as to go higher up on the competitive ladder.

Helps Plan AheadThose who have amassed enough education, steer the path of development and progress for their country. It is these individuals who go ahead and become teachers, scientists, inventors, welfare activists, soldiers, and politicians who work together to form the very backbone of the society. Without this pool of intellect, the economic and social framework would crumple and fall, paving its way for anarchy, degradation, and violence. While this intricate balance of growth is maintained, there will be a continuous rise in progress in all quarters of life, whether that be personal growth, or development of the nation as an entity. This progress has a very important role to play for the coming generations, which will reap the benefits of our hard work, as they develop it further. At the same time, the negative impact of our actions shall have its collateral damage on the coming generation as well. Which is why we must be exceptionally prudent about the decisions we make and the actions we take in the present.

Job Seeker vs. Job ProviderThere will come a time, when you will no longer feel the need to be working as someone's mere employee. You would want to take charge and control over your own life and income. This is when you will decide to become a self-employed individual, who would like to watch his / her own ideas take realistic form. You would prefer being the one offering job opportunities to others and aid in providing income to them. At this stage of entrepreneurship, you may use your own expertise as well as that of other trained and skilled associates. As a team, you will find your business or venture expanding and yielding good results. You may even gain the confidence and insight, which will help you diversify and spread your expertise into other business arenas, which were previously unknown to you, or you were unsure about. This ability, comes with experience and knowledge amassed over the years.

An Idle Mind is The Devil's WorkshopEducation and studying regularly, gives people of all age groups something substantial and challenging to do. It helps them think and use their idle hours, doing something productive and worthwhile. Education

need not be purely academic and may include reading for leisure or as a passion for literature, philosophy, art, politics, economics, or even scientific research. There is no limit, to all that you can teach yourself, only if you take the interest to learn and grow as an individual. However, those who treat knowledge as trash, eventually find themselves getting absorbed with thoughts of violence, and jealously against those who are better off than themselves. It is people such as these who turn towards drug addiction, unnecessary rebellion, crime, and plain inactivity. Such people lack the self-esteem, that a good education often provides to its followers.

Education plays its continuous role in all spheres of life. The reason being, that if we are aware of the drawbacks of a decision and we know about the possible contingencies and the collateral damage, our consequent actions would be wiser, which would help us to keep danger at bay at all times.

http://merseamusic.blogspot.com/2012/02/importance-of-education-in-society.html

How to Solve Discipline Problems in the ClassroomSolve discipline problems to help students focus on learning.

Discipline is an important issue in children's education. In the classroom some students can easily focus on the task at hand and understand rules and etiquette. On the other hand, some students are easily distracted, and tend to resist the administration. Disciplining such students requires both the recognition of a problem and a proper intervention to treat the root cause. Some administrators can be very strict in their methods, and this can actually create future consequences.

Remind the student of his or her responsibilities at the earliest sign of a disciplinary problem. This is effective because it can help the student maintain focus before the problem worsens or becomes irreversible. An example is when you remind a student to stop socializing when the bell rings. You can say, "The bell just rang. This means we should all focus on our assignment." You can also utilize nonverbal cues such as a classroom bell or closing the door.

Give the student an oral or written warning. Generally, do this after reminding him of his responsibilities. If his behavior does not improve, the next step entails a warning. This will help the student to realize that his actions will not be tolerated if his behavior worsens. For example, you can say, "I reminded you to take out your assignment, and you have not done so. This is a warning to bring out your homework like all your fellow classmates."

Give the student a timeout from the classroom if his behavior worsens after a reprimand and a warning about the consequences. Remove the student from the classroom and have him meet with higher educators or administrators. Send the student to a detention classroom. He can then explain to a guidance counselor why he is not fulfilling his classroom responsibilities.

Suspend the student if he does not improve his behavior even after multiple detentions. This is a last resort and should only be done if it is clear that the student is not responding to the interventions of the educators and counselors. Remove the child temporarily from the classroom and notify the parents. Arrange for the parents and student to meet with a school administrator and discuss the problem and the possible outcomes.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7965208_solve-classroom-discipline-problems.html

A program of discipline must teach self-discipline.

First, our actions must include teaching self-discipline. If they don't, we can count on having to correct the same inappropriate behavior over and over again. We can't assume that our students will learn appropriate behavior simply by pointing out inappropriate behavior. Neither can we assume that criticizing, reprimanding, and punishing students for inappropriate behavior will make them change. Therefore, our definition of discipline must be accompanied by efforts to teach students appropriate behavior so that they can learn to be self-disciplined.

Students must know what the standards are in our classroom.

We must teach students the standards we hold in our classrooms. We can't expect students to know our standards by transference, by our reputations, or by trial-and-error experiences. Remember, there may be as many different standards in a school as there are teachers. In addition, what was acceptable last year may not be acceptable this year. And what is acceptable in Mr. Jones' room may be totally unacceptable in Mrs. Smith's room. Therefore, our definition of discipline must be accompanied by teaching students the standards held in our classrooms.

The adjustment of behavior must fit the occasion and the environment.

Our standards must fit the occasion and the environment. Students should not be expected to behave the same way in the classroom as they do in the cafeteria. Appropriate behavior at a party would certainly be different from appropriate behavior at an assembly. Students need to be taught these differences and allowed some discretion. That's why it's a good idea for the faculty to get

together and do some deciding about expectations concerning appropriate behavior before addressing the issue with students. Remember, our definition must take into consideration the occasion and the environment.

http://www.disciplinehelp.com/teacher/instruction.cfm?section=step&sectiontitle=Introduction

Should English be made compulsory subject in SPM?I think there are a few things we may all agree:

Firstly, the standard of English has gone down so much that even a STPMstudent cannot communicate in simple english ( see my post  ‘English Language and Vision 2020′    written about 2 months ago). Compared to 40 year ago, when even a primary school drop out could sometimes speak good English.Secondly, English is important if we want to communicate with outside world, do business and learn new knowledge. It is the language to learn if we want to have upward mobility in life.Thirdly, to learn a language well takes time and it cannot be doneovernight.There will definitely be initial pain but this pain is worth the sufferings if we look ahead.Fourthly, learning English well does not make us any less a Malaysian. In fact, by mastering more skills and knowledge, we will be better equiped to help our country to move forward and compete in the increasing globalised world

Fifthly, most if not all of our English teachers are not up to the mark to teach good English. I was also horrified to learn that English grammar is no longer taught in school. If that is the case, the teachers that we are training without knowing the grammar, may become the proverbial ‘blind leading the blind”.To overcome all these will be a Herculean task.. We need to have strong wills, which will not easily be swayed by political pressure.

Learn from CHina. There are so many good English speaking people in CHinanow, even though they still represent a small proportion of the whole popultaion, they will become the core of a new generation of good English speakers, as time goes on.I think we have lost a generation of good and dedicated English teachers. To overcome this, we must be prepared to send a new generation of teachers overseas, eg. Kirby collegein UK , to learn English language and the correct ways to teach English.We can also engage foreign English teachers to teach English in schools. More time should be given to the teaching of English.And as I have said before in that article ” English language and Visiosn 2020), we should seriously consider making English a compulsory pass subject in SPM.

The best way to achieve excellence is to have competition..  Competition  produces good result. By making English a compulsory pass subject, the students will be made competing against a set standard . Those who have achieve this standard will get a pass .

The argument against this is that it may not be fair to some good students who pass all other subjects with flying colour but fail in English . If that is so, specialclasses can be given to those who fail and who wish to resit. If they are good in other subjects, give them all the help they need to help themselves and I am sure they would have no problem overcoming their initial handicap, especially when we have strengthened the English teaching profession.Without pain without gain. There will be initial hiccups like all changes. But it will be good for the students and the country in the long run.

http://hsudarren.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/compulsory-pass-in-english-will-be-good/

Making an English SPM 'pass' compulsoryMuch has been made of the fact the DPM and Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin, did not know that it was not compulsory have a 'pass' in English at the SPM level. Later UMNO Youth came out to support making an English pass compulsory at the SPM level, subject to some caveats. I have some reservations about making a change to the current policy and here's why. 

Firstly, this proposed policy change (making an English SPM pass compulsory) is premised on the false assumption that the standard of English will increase as a consequence of this policy change. Without any changes in the quality of teachers whoteach English, especially those in the rural areas, or other resources aimed at improving the standard of English in our schools, all things being equal, this policy will only result in an increase of those who will fail their SPM because of failure to pass the English exam.

Secondly, this proposed policy change will increase the incentives to make the English exam even easier than it already is as well as to decrease the passing mark for the same exam. The bureaucrats at the MOE do not want to have political heat on their backs as a result of the protests of many parents whose children did not manage to pass their SPM English exam. The path of least resistance would be to either make the English SPM exam easier or to decrease the passing mark or to do both!

Thirdly, this proposed policy change presupposes that every SPM holder requires a passing level of English to get on with life. Sure, it would be difficult to read English textbooks and articles at the university / college level without a proficient understanding of English. But if the medium of instruction in our public universities continue to be in BM, then I see no reason why not having an English SPM pass should be the basis for denying a student entry into one of the public universities or a matriculation program. Furthermore, there are many career paths which are open to Malaysians which require only a minimal level of English proficiency. I don't see why Malaysians who choose to pursue these career paths should be denied an SPM certificate just because they fail to pass their English exam at the SPM level.

This is in no way an argument to diminish the importance of English. Most of the top jobs in the private sector require a high proficiency in English. Most of the top jobs in the civil service require at least a decent level of spoken English. But I think having this policy change distracts from the more important and pressing objective of improving the standard of English in Malaysia. Making an English pass compulsory at the SPM level is the easy part. Making substantive changes to the way English is taught in our schools in the much harder and more important challenge.

http://educationmalaysia.blogspot.com/2009/06/making-english-spm-pass-compulsory.html

What is motivation?

Motivation is generally defined as the force that compels us to action. It drivesus to work hard and pushes us to succeed. Motivation influences our behavior and our ability to accomplish goals.There are many different forms of motivation. Each one influences behavior in its own unique way. No single type of motivation works for everyone. People’s personalities vary and so accordingly does the type of motivation, that is most effective at inspiring their conduct.

Incentive

A form of motivation that involves rewards, both monetary and nonmonetary is often called incentive motivation. Many people are driven by the knowledge that they will be rewarded in some manner for achieving a certain target or goal. Bonuses and promotions are good examples of the type of incentives that are used for motivation.

Fear

Fear motivation involves consequences. This type of motivation is often one that is utilized when incentive motivation fails. In a business style of motivation often referred to as the, “carrot and stick,” incentive is the carrot and fear is the stick.

Punishment or negative consequences are a form of fear motivation. This type of motivation is commonly used to motivate students in the education system and also frequently in a professional setting to motivate employees. If we break the rules or fail to achieve the set goal, we are penalized in some way.

Achievement

Achievement motivation is also commonly referred to as the drive for competency. We are driven to achieve goals and tackle new challenges. We desire to improve skills and prove our competency both to others and to ourselves. Generally, this feeling of accomplishment and achievement is intrinsic in nature.

However, in certain circumstances be motivation for achievement may involve external recognition. We often have a desire or need to receive positive feedback from both our peers and our superiors. This may include anything from an award to a simple pat on the back for a job well done.

Growth

The need for self-improvement is truly an internal motivation. A burning desire to increase our knowledge of ourselves and of the outside world can be a very strong form of motivation. We seek to learn and grow as individuals.

Motivation for growth can also be seen in our yearning for change. Many of us are wired by our personality or upbringing to constantly seek a change in either our external or internal environment or knowledge. We view stagnation to be both negative and undesirable.

Power

The motivation of power can either take the form of a desire for autonomy or other desire to control others around us. We want to have choices and control over our own lives. We strive for the ability to direct the manner in which we live now and the way our lives will unfold in the future.

We also often aspire to control others around us. The desire for control is stronger in some people than others. In some cases, the craving for power induces people to harmful, immoral, or illegal behavior. In other situations, the longing for power is merely a desire to affect the behavior of others. We simply want people to do what we want, according to our timetable, and the way we want it done.

Social

Many people are motivated by social factors. This may be a desire to belong and to be accepted by a specific peer group or a desire to relate to the people in our sphere or in the larger world. We have an innate need to feel a connection with others. We also have the need for acceptance and affiliation.

A genuine and passionate desire to contribute and to make a difference in the lives of others can be another form of social motivation. If we have a longing to make a contribution to the world around us, it is generally a sign that we are motivated by social factors.

The real importance of understanding the different types of motivation is in our ability to determine which form of motivation is the most effective for inspiring the desired behavior in either others or ourselves. None of these styles of motivation is inherently good or bad, the positive or negative outcome is truly determined by the way they are used.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/6-types-of-motivation-explained.html

Fear of Failing

Failure is good.  Failing in it’s entirety is not an option.  I have always believed that if you aren’t scared of failing, to some degree you will lack an inner sense of motivation.  I personally love to take risks more than Carson…but at the same time I am freaked out of failing myself and others around me.Failures that you learn from are good.  They can help you improve your overall skill set.  However, the actual “thought” of failure can be a very powerful motivational factor.  Carson and I don’t plan on failing at business any time soon, but the thought of it really strikes a motivational chord.

Factors That Lead to School SuccessSeveral factors contribute to school success. A person's experience with education early in life has a great influence on school success later on. It is vital that infants and toddlers have access to quality education from day one. The socioeconomic status in which one is raised has an immense effect on school success. Wealthier children have access to greater, high-quality facilities and resources while poorer children often lack the basic necessities such as proper nutrition and quality education. It is important to note that each child also contributes their own contributions to their success in school. There are cases of people who rose out of extreme poverty to achieve great academic success.

1. Exceptional Teacherso Exceptional teachers provide students with maximum encouragement, motivation, challenges and belief in

themselves. Teachers who believe their students are capable of the classwork help create a self-fulfilling prophecy. The student will begin to hold the same belief of themselves and act on it. It is therefore vital that teachers, parents and caregivers send the right message to students. Students need to know that their teachers, parents and caregivers believe in them and that they are capable of academic success. Exceptional teachers create a classroom culture of high expectations. They do not hold preconceived notions about particular students but believe that all of their students are capable of reaching academic success.Parental Involvement

o Parental involvement is extremely important to a students academic success. Children spend most of their time at home and the environment a student comes from determines their start of academic success. If a student's home is rich in books, that earlyexposure to literacy will usually mean a student starts reading early. Parents who are actively involved in their children's education ensure that their children are doing their homework. They also encourage their children to perform well in school and speak to them about the importance of receiving an education. When parents show an interest in their children's education this in turn sparks an interest in their children to learn.Self-Motivation

o Intrinsic motivation or self-motivation is another important element leading to school success. Self-motivation assumes that we are all born with the capability to learn and that learning can be an enjoyable process. Students who are self-motivated have disciplined themselves to concentrate on a task for the mere result of learning and mastering the needed skill. Students become self-motivated for many reasons. For some being self-motivated to achieve academic success will help them rise out of poverty, for others it will allow them to get into a specific college or receive an academic scholarship. Students who have a high self-esteem have a strong sense of self-motivation as they believe they are capable of academic success.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5387053_factors-lead-school-success.html

have educational goals.

Successful students are motivated by what their goals represent in terms of career aspirations and life's desires. Ask yourself these questions: What am I doing here? Is there some better place I could be? What does my presence here mean to me?Answers to these questions represent your "Hot Buttons" and are, without a doubt, the most important factors in your success as a college student. If your educational goals are truly yours, not someone else's, they will motivate a vital and positive academic attitude. If you are familiar with what these hot buttons represent and refer to them often, especially when you tire of being a student, nothing can stop you; if you aren't and don't, everything can, and will!

are good time managers.

Successful students do not procrastinate. They have learned that time control is life control and have consciously chosen to be in control of their life.An elemental truth: you will either control time or be controlled by it! It's your choice: you can lead or be led, establish control or relinquish control, steer your own course or follow others. Failure to take control of their own time is probably the no. 1 study skills problem for college students. It ultimately causes many students to become non-students! Procrastinators are good excuse-makers. Don't make academics harder on yourself than it has to be. Stop procrastinating. And don't wait until tomorrow to do it!

First and foremost, it is an undeniable fact that one needs to study and do work conscientiously to improve on one's results. However, getting distinctions can not simply be achieved through long hours of staring at diagrams or regurgitating lines from textbooks. One needs to fully contemplate the subject in hand before one is able to answer questions regarding the matter. As a high-school student, the challenge that emerges would be to understand abundant materials within a short period of time before the examination. Therefore, the requisite skill is to be able to select important points and elaborate on it. Making mind maps and doing research from external sources may prove to be helpful in helping one to have profound understanding of the subject. Thus, innovative ways of studying is a factor that contribute to academic success.

Another factor which is often dismissed as unimportant would be parental support. Although in today's generation, high-school students no longer depends on their parents to ask for academic guidance, parents must still play an active role in doing whatever means necessary to provide moral as well as incentive support. For example, arranging tuition lessons might help their child to understand subjects taught at school which might be confusing at times. However more importantly, in times of discouragement and low spirit, parents should be by their children sides to encourage them. By doing so, students will be further driven to achieve success as there are people who are support them at all times.