NST 17.05.2026 MORE THAN A TEACHER - 人物专访精读

Aug 13, 2026

A reflective profile centers on Fernandez, a teacher whose career spans from the early years of Malaya through decades of evolving education. Born when Malaya was still finding its footing, he begins teaching in 1954 and later serves across several vocational and secondary schools before retiring in 1987. The narrative emphasizes human connection, counselling support in hostels, and teaching rooted in compassion and discipline—captured by his belief that “no student is stupid.”

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

HUMAN CONNECTION

Teacher-student bond

Hostel counselling and support

TEACH WITH HEART

Classroom philosophy and discipline

Advice to younger educators

| SEKTOR DOKUMENTASI PENDIDIKAN
BPPDP,Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia
Aras SB-4,Blok E8,Kompleks E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62604 Putrajaya.
Tel :03-88846425
Faks:03-88846284 | | --- | | | TARIKH:17 MEI 2026(AHAD)BERITA HARIAN UTUSAN M'SIA N.STRAITS TIME THE STAR□ SINAR HARIAN□ | SEKTOR DOKUMENTASI PENDIDIKAN
BPPDP,Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia
Aras SB-4,Blok E8,Kompleks E,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62604 Putrajaya.
Tel :03-88846425
Faks:03-88846284 | | --- | TARIKH:17 MEI 2026(AHAD)UTUSAN M'SIA N.STRAITS TIME己 That quiet declaration,spokenwith clarityand conviction,perhapssays more than any accolade evercould. Born when Malaya was stillfinding its footing.Fernandezbegan his teaching journey in 1954at Bukit Zahara School in JohorBaru.It was here,in those forma-tive earlyyears,that theyoung edu-cator stepped into a classroom forthe veryfirst time-anexperiencethat would mark the beginning ofnearly four decades of service. From 1955 to 1976,he servedat various trade and vocationalschools within the same campus,shaping young minds destined notjust forexaminations,but for liveli-hoods. His journey later took him toSKBR Taib Andak in Kulai[19771982I,SKBRSenai(1983-1984Jandfinaly to STAR2Johor Baru(1985-1986],where he would close thefinal chapter of his formal teach-ing career. He retired in 1987 at the age of 55,after rising through the ranks tobecome a senior teacher and after-noon school supervisor. Yet,as his reflections reveal.retirement was merely an adminis-trative end-not a spiritual one. # HUMAN CONNECTION Fernandez witnessed educa-tion evolve alongside the country.Over time,he observed,the roleof teachers became increasinglyspecialised. "In my time,a teacher took up Fernandez(seatedfifthfromleft),asateacher trainee at Bukit Zaharah Schoolin1954. happened in the quieter,unseen hours一moments that demanded patience,understanding and care. many roles.Now,teachers specialisein certain subjects." Yet amid changing systems andexpectations,he believes one thingnever changed—the human connec-tion between teacher and student. Some of the most meaningfulexperiences of his career took placebeyond the classroom,at the schoolhostel where students from acrossMalaysia came to study.Many werestill very young,living far from homefor the first time and struggling withhomesickness. There were sacrifices,too,thoughrarely the kind that appeared in reportcards or formal recognition.Weekendclasses became part of routine life,while personal time was often setaside to help students who neededextra attention. Fernandez recalls:"As a teachercounsellor,I had to attend to them.With sympathy and counselling,theysettled well." For Fernandez,teaching was neveraprofession that ended once theschoolbell rang.Much of the work,heshares, It was here that Fernandez's TARIKH:17 MEI 2026(AHAD) BERITA HARIAN□ UTUSAN M'SIAN.STRAITS TIME Avocationalschoolsfirst batch ofstudentsin 1956.Fernandezisseated,fourthfrom left. role transcended instruction.He became,in many ways,a guardianof fragile hearts-offering reas-surance where textbooks couldnot.That ability to balance disciplinewith compassion became the cor-nerstone of his philosophy. "Handle the students as theywere your own children.A strongrapport will soon build up." It is a lesson that echoes withprofound simplicity—that respectis not demanded but earnedthrough care. If there is one belief that defineshis approach,itis this:"No studentis stupid.Abilities differ.A teacheris their guide." In those fewwordsliesalifetimeofunderstanding:that education is notabout measuring minds against asin-gle standard but about nurturing eachindividual to their fullest potential. # TEACH WITH HEART Looking back,Fernandez does notspeak much about hardship.Instead,there isaquietacceptance of the sacri-ficesthat came with the professionandthe responsibilities it carried.

FAQs

Who is Fernandez in the document?

Fernandez is the teacher profiled in the article, remembered for a career marked by counselling, compassion, and lasting influence on students.

What core belief guides Fernandez’s teaching philosophy?

He believes “no student is stupid,” stressing that abilities differ and a teacher serves as a guide to help each individual reach potential.

How does Fernandez describe teaching beyond classroom instruction?

He highlights extra hours and hostel responsibilities, where counselling and reassurance helped students cope with homesickness and thrive.

Aug 13, 2026

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