Najib To Receive International Gold Medal For Remarkable Achievements In Education Development

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will be conferred The Association of Business Executives (ABE)-Edward de Bono International Gold Medal for his remarkable achievements in the country's education development.

ABE president Dr Edward de Bono will confer the award on the Deputy Prime Minister at a gala dinner on Aug 27 at a leading hotel here.

ABE Chairman Datuk Dr Tan Tiong Hong said this was the second time Najib's achievements and contributions to education received international acclaim.

In May 1999, Najib, who was then the Education Minister received the Stockton Award at the inaugural conference of the Malaysian Export Council, he told a press conference today.

When Najib was Education Minister from 1995 to 1999, Tan said there was a remarkable increase in the number of foreign students in Malaysia as well as Malaysians furthering their studies overseas.

"Najib is the one who introduced the Smart Education concept leading to the improvement in the education system with better teaching and learning methods.

"He placed great emphasis on broadening the education base by expanding educational facilities to rural areas. "His efforts resulted in the government's commitment to transform all schools in the country into Smart Schools by 2010," he said. Tan said among beneficiaries of Najib's efforts are Felda settlers' children, many of whom are now in successful careers.

Najib was also instrumental for the setting up of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation to help poor students pursue tertiary education in public and private higher learning institutions, he added. (Bernama)
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