SHAH ALAM: Teachers who go the extra mile and beyond their teaching hours are extraordinary individuals for being willing to spend their free time to produce a knowledgeable and successful society, said Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Taman Sri Muda principal Datuk M. Magendran.
Magendran, the first Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest in 1997, advised teachers and students to always work as a team to improve the quality of work and life.
"I often remind teachers that when they 'punch card' and teach they are free to go home after work. If that's all they do, then they are just merely doing their job.
"But what makes a teacher great is their contribution outside of real-time teaching. What they do beyond their stipulated working hours shows whether they are great and willing to devote time and energy for the development of society," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the "Semarak Budi Kilauan Bakti" celebration here today (November 30) to mark his retirement from service on December 6.
On his plans for retirement, the father of three said he plans to spend more quality time with his family in the near future, as most of his past 35 years were devoted to education.
Magendran said he has been offered a lecturing position at a local university and a collaboration with a travel agency that does outdoor-based tourism.
"I have not made a decision yet. I just want to spend time with my family first," he said.
Magendran advised teachers to strive to be exceptional educators in order to improve the quality of education in the country, in line with the Education Development Plan 2013-2025 under the Education Ministry.
He emphasised that students will definitely remember exceptional teachers due to their commitment and generous time to ensure students excel in academics and extracurricular activities.
Magendran and Datuk N. Mohanadas were the first two climbers to make Malaysia famous after conquering Mount Everest in 1997. — Bernama