JOHOR BAHRU: A secondary school here went the extra mile by appreciating teachers and students at a Gala Night: Shining Stars Strike Gold Program 2023 held at Dewan Serbaguna, Taman Universiti.

SMK Taman Impian Emas, became the first school in Johor to hold a gala night to recognize teachers and students for their contributions in the field of co-curriculum and overall performances.

The students feted on the gala night had represented the school at various competitions, trials and tournaments, from district to international levels. The teachers too sacrificed much of their time to help their students attain success.

Hence, it was only fair to celebrate, honour and give admiration to the students and teachers who have brought glory to the school.

The school has adopted a culture of excellence with much hard work and perseverance coupled with good management and today it has produced results.

Member of Parliament for Iskandar Puteri Liew Chin Tong could not attend and was represented by his special officer Amar Arifin who read out his speech.

Also present were PTA chairman Mazlan Sulor, officials from the district education office and principals from neighbouring schools.

In her welcome address school principal Wong Cheui Keen said the outstanding achievement of the students not only did the school proud but cemented its place to be one of the top schools in the state.

“We are an ordinary school but the hard work and dedication of both the teachers and students have paid off and made us a force to be reckoned with,” she said.

Wong expressed confidence that the school would continue on its path to attain success in both academic and co-curricular activities.
“We are extremely proud as we produced well-rounded individuals with great co-curricular and academic achievements,” she remarked.

She said teachers were likened to hearts that drove the pulse of a school and played a key role in shaping the minds of the students.

“Our students have their sights set on doing more, being more, and achieving more in life and therefore there is no question they are our stars for a better tomorrow,” she said.

In his opening address Liew said he was happy to note that the school has attained outstanding performance in academics, co-curricular and other fields.

“I am convinced and strongly believe that this outstanding performance would not have been achieved without the support of all parties,” he said.

He mentioned that the commitment of the teachers, the discipline of the students, the support of the school, parents, PTA and external parties contributed to the success they have attained.

He believes that the school will one day be at par with elite schools in Malaysia.

“The Star teachers have empowered their students with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence needed to reach their fullest potentials.They have been an inspiration to these Star students, and they have encouraged all of their students to be the best they can be,” he added.

The annual initiative is dedicated to recognizing inspiring teachers who have made the extra effort for their students and for students who excelled in co-curricular and academic fields.

The evening was a celebration of the achievements of these students over the past school year. 

The event began with a montage on the school’s co-curricular and academic excellence.

This was followed by a T-Baton performance by uniformed bodies members, followed by a violin performance.

Ten students received accolades for their exceptional involvement in co-curricular activities while 15 teachers were honoured for their contributions to the school’s extra-curricular programme.

Meanwhile 13 teachers were given due recognition for their part in pushing for academic excellence and 64 students for their excellent academic performance.

These teachers were recognized for providing the best and becoming pillar of strength for students with their relentless efforts.

Speaking to ApaKhabar TV after receiving her award for co-curricular activities Siti Nor Khairiah Abdul Rahman, 39, said she was humbled by the award.

“It came as a surprise to me and I did not expect to receive this award and I feel so touched,” said Siti Nor with much joy.

She said as a teacher you don’t expect anything when you help your students and want to see them succeed.

Tang Chiew Yin who has been teaching in the school for the past 16 years said she thanked the school for recognizing her efforts.

“It feels nice to be recognized and I certainly did not expect this,” said the Science teacher who never gave up on her students.

Tan takes the time to understand each of her students well and can brave through any setbacks as she felt strengthened by her students’ encouraging smiles and enthusiasm.

Ching Jia Hao, 17, who clinched the silver medal in the MSSM under 18 swimming competition was on cloud nine after receiving his award.

Ching said he was thankful to his teachers, parents and coach for guiding and giving him the encouragement.

“I am deeply touched after receiving this appreciation from my school which will remain in my memory always,” he said with a beam.

Siti Nurfara Fasha Mohamad Hasan, also 17, excelled in the Malaysian Junior Golf at the national and international levels.

She also came out as champion in the Sukma Trials for the state level selection this year.

“To achieve sporting excellence you need determination and commitment, otherwise the going will be tough,” she said.

She added that it was so nice for the school to appreciate and commend her efforts.