Building Resilient Problem Solvers for a Better Planet

PUTRAJAYA,  Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Yayasan PETRONAS (YP) Program Duta Guru (PDG) National Symposium (NS) 2025 convened over 1,200 teachers, education officers and policymakers in meaningful discussions and knowledge-sharing session focused on the importance of environmental sustainability and planetary health.
 
Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education in her officiating speech highlighted the critical importance of resilience as this year’s PDG National Symposium theme, “The theme Building Resilient Problem-Solvers: Towards Planetary Health and Sustainable Innovation is highly relevant to current challenges, especially with the growing impact of climate change and current societal issues. It is imperative for us to think about how we can better use our resources and technologies like Artificial Intelligence, not just for disaster preparedness, but more importantly to build lasting resilience.”
 
The PDG National Symposium featured a keynote speech, panel sessions, hands-on workshops, human library and showcases that highlighted the integrated role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in creating a learning environment that supports the nation’s sustainability agenda.

The annual event also marked the official launch of the Environmental Education at School Programme, aimed at cultivating environmental stewardship among students and school communities.

Shariah Nelly Francis, CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS in her welcoming remarks shared, “We recognise the pivotal role of educators as the link between STEM and environmental education, empowering students to connect science with sustainability. Their influence is key to nurturing innovators who will safeguard our planet.”
 
Shariah Nelly added that YP has expanded its efforts beyond the classroom by introducing regenerative planting workshops in secondary schools nationwide, in recognition of the importance of environmental education in shaping responsible future problem-solvers. These hands-on sessions aim to instil ecological awareness and practical skills among teachers and students, encouraging them to actively participate in restoring and preserving natural ecosystems.

Additionally, a Duta Guru graduation ceremony was held following the conclusion of the two-day Symposium. This marked the completion of a two-year journey for 434 teachers from Cohort Five of the programme. With this milestone, PDG now comprises a total of 1,344 Duta Guru nationwide, demonstrating the programme’s continued growth and its commitment to empowering STEM teachers nationwide.

About Program Duta Guru
Program Duta Guru (PDG) is Yayasan PETRONAS flagship education programme designed to empower teachers as catalysts for change in STEM education. An initiative between Yayasan PETRONAS and the Ministry of Education through its Education Policy Planning and Research Division, with Teach for Malaysia and PETROSAINS as implementation partners. This initiative is aimed at elevating the skills of 4500 STEM teachers by 2030. Through professional development, resources, and innovative teaching strategies, PDG aims to nurture future ready students and support the Government’s vision of achieving a 60:40 Science-to-Arts enrolment ratio. It is a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening STEM teaching among teachers to nurture future ready problem solvers.
 
Issued by: 
Yayasan PETRONAS  

SOURCE: Yayasan PETRONAS