QIU, through its Centre of Research in Business and Social Sciences (CRBSS) and the SDG Steering Committee – Education Cluster, successfully conducted the Early Childhood Education Teacher Upskilling Program 2026 in collaboration with the Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (KEMAS), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development at the KEMAS Training Centre in Setiu, Terengganu.
The one-day professional development programme brought together 25 KEMAS preschool teachers from across Terengganu to strengthen their knowledge, teaching competencies, and professional skills in delivering high-quality early childhood education.
The initiative forms part of QIU’s commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting continuous professional learning and strengthening educational practices within the community. Through strategic collaboration with KEMAS, the programme aimed to equip preschool educators with practical knowledge and innovative teaching approaches that can be readily implemented in their classrooms.
The training featured a series of interactive workshops facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of QIU lecturers. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in collaborative discussions, practical demonstrations, group activities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to encourage active participation and reflective practice.
Key areas covered during the programme included positive classroom management, inclusive teaching practices, teacher well-being, identification of children with special educational needs, nature-based learning, and the integration of educational technology to enhance teaching and learning. The sessions provided participants with practical strategies to support children’s holistic development while fostering engaging and inclusive learning environments.
Participants demonstrated enthusiastic involvement throughout the programme, actively contributing to discussions, sharing classroom experiences, and exchanging best practices with fellow educators. The interactive learning environment encouraged professional networking and collaborative problem-solving, enabling teachers to explore innovative approaches to addressing challenges in early childhood education.
The programme was facilitated by a team of QIU academics comprising Ms. Aimi, Dr. Ruuhina Mohd Sani, Ms. Nadia, Ms. Ummu Hani, and Dr. Saadah, each bringing expertise from their respective fields to deliver an enriching learning experience.
Speaking after the programme, Dr. Ruuhina Mohd Sani, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for preschool educators.
“Early childhood educators play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning. By equipping teachers with current knowledge, innovative pedagogical strategies, and emerging educational technologies, we can enhance the quality of learning experiences for young children and better prepare them for future educational success.”
The programme concluded with positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the relevance of the training content, practical learning activities, and opportunities to engage with experienced academics. Many participants expressed their interest in attending future workshops focusing on innovative teaching strategies and educational technology.
