JOHOR BARU: It is vital to ensure that English language teachers possess a globally-accepted level of proficiency in the language, said Education Ministry English Language Teaching Centre director Mohamed Abu Bakar.
He said this requirement must be given emphasis in line with the second shift of the Malaysia Education Blueprint.
He said English teachers who are proficient in the language can serve as great role models for students in speaking and writing confidently.
"Teachers can play a critical role in the classroom to engage, inspire and motivate students to learn English," said Mohamed at the opening of the 8th Johor English Language Conference at the M Suites Hotel here today.
The three-day event is organised by the Johor English Language Teaching Association (Jelta) and Johor Education Department.
The New Straits Times reprised its role as the official media for the conference.
NST deputy group editor Yushaimi Yahaya gave a keynote speech.
Also present were M Suites Hotel executive chairman Datin Dr Maimunah Abdul Rahman, Jelta chairman Vincent D'Silva, British Council Malaysia director Sarah Deverall, Johor Education Department principal assistant director of English Language Shanmuganathan Suppiah and Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim.
More than 400 participants comprising English teachers attended the opening ceremony.
This year's conference is themed "English Language Classrooms: The 4Cs and Technology". There are plenary and parallel workshop sessions covering a broad range of topics related to English language teaching and skills.
Sponsors of the conference include the M Suites Hotel, the British Council, Oxford Fajar, Pelangi Publication, Mase Marketing Sdn Bhd, Yayasan Kebajikan Suria and All Cosmos Industries Sdn Bhd