Well-bred: Hold more courtesy courses for them

NST,Thursday 20 October 2011 

Educating Malaysians 

There has been much debate on education and rightly so because of its importance. However, I seem to hold a different view on what constitutes an educated person. 

It may have been 45 years ago, but I still remember clearly the wise words of my school teacher. He explained that a learned person might not necessarily be educated 

Those who studied in higher learning institutions may have learnt something in their courses, but if they behave in an ugly manner, they are anything but educated. 

In my book, simple village folk with minimal schooling are educated when they are courteous to everyone and treat the environment with care and respect. 

The increasing number of ugly Malaysians is a clear indication that our education system has failed. Our colleges and universities are centred on academic studies and churning out graduates mostly lacking in skills needed by the industries. They also lack the language and communications skills. 

They may have spent several years pursuing a diploma or a degree but many graduates are not able to describe well in their own words what they have studied. 

Many graduates are unable to engage in intelligent discussions and lack moral and social values as emotional and spiritual development is accorded low priority in most educational institutions. 

Productivity and innovation will rise with the physical, emotional and spiritual development of individuals, apart from their technical expertise. 

What we have are many Malaysians with superficial views and values, detached from the surroundings and least concerned for the welfare of others. 

Much of our traditional cultures have been reduced to costumes, dances and quaint rituals as good family values and society etiquettes are seldom practised. 

The rise in number of ugly Malaysians has resulted in the degradation of our society and desecration of our environment. 

So how do we go about educating the “educated” ugly Malaysians? 

The answer has to be holistic education and continuous training, apart from more effective enforcement. Instead of limiting education to academic pursuits or professional skills, there should also be personal development. The undergraduates ought to acquire the necessary social values and skills. 

Working adults should attend training on courtesy. They will then learn to raise their awareness and value the importance of courtesy. 

I have conducted several training workshops on courtesy and have noticed many participants are oblivious to the rude behaviour that is common in our society today. 

Perhaps they have grown accustomed and treat such behaviours are normal and would do the same if they too can get away with it. 

Many participants can recall the fifth tenet of the Rukunegara as “Good Behaviour & Morality” but some have absolutely no clue on how to be more courteous. 

It can be as simple as giving others a smile including family members and colleagues. Religion and morals seem more for academic knowledge rather than practice. 

Similarly, we should walk for about 30 minutes regularly if not engaged in any other aerobic exercise. Almost everyone can walk but how many of us take the trouble? 

If we are to achieve the target of attracting 36 million tourists and RM168bil in revenue by 2020, we will need to shore up our human capital. Stretching ourselves thin might cause an implosion. 

The number of graduates does not measure human capital but by productivity and innovation, which rise with the physical, emotional and spiritual developments, apart from technical expertise. 

Active retirees can also be roped in to conduct training on courtesy. Anyone who is observant, caring and with good communication skills can be a facilitator for a group size of between 10 – 25 people. 

Non-governmental organisations can seek grants for such training from various government agencies as it can raise productivity and quality of life for all. 

It will be a meaningful and fruitful exercise for large corporations to sponsor such training as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Courtesy is the responsibility of every individual and organisation. There is no courtesy if it is not shown or displayed. 

It is heartening to note that many of those who lack courtesy are friendly by nature. Many do not realise that some of their everyday behaviours can be perceived to be rude or inappropriate. 

As such, concerted efforts are required to promote and nurture more courteous Malaysians. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur