MOE to improve public school infrastructure in stages - Mahdzir

He said as there were over 10,000 public schools across the country, the improvement and maintenance of the infrastructure would be done in stages.

"We will also improve the school-based assessment, quality of education, teacher training college and many others," he said this to reporters after officiating the opening of St Joseph's Institution International School Malaysia (Tropicana Petaling Jaya Campus) (SJIIM) here on Monday.

Also present was Tropicana Corporation Berhad founder and advisor Tan Sri Datuk Danny Tan Chee Sing.

Earlier, Mahdzir in his speech said it was positive to see that SJIIM had been equipped with the latest of school facilities, as well as physical infrastructure to optimize the teaching and learning process.

"Most importantly, with a fantastic human capital which are the teachers who will be the maestro to shape the students. As Mark Twain has said, students must not be taught what to think but how to think," he added.

Mahdzir also said the High Order Thinking Skills need to be fostered in the students' mind through curriculum.

"Without creativity, new ideas and a spirit of innovation, the most up-to-date resources will not be put to best and optimal use," he added.