His Royal Highness posing for a group photograph with distinguished guests

IPOH, 15 May 2026 – HRH Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah graced the Dinner in conjunction with the 55th National Teachers’ Day Celebration 2026 at Hotel Casuarina@Meru here today.

His Royal Highness was accompanied by HRH Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.

Also gracing the event were HH Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, HH Raja DiHilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah and HH Raja Kecil Tengah Perak, Raja Dato’ Seri Iskandar Raja Ziran @ Raja Zaid.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad and wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Gen (Rtd) Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd. Zahidi Zainuddin and wife Toh Puan Datin Seri DiRaja Puan Sri Hajah Rasiah Md. Nor, and Perak State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and wife Datin Che Fauziah Ahmad.

Perak State Legal Adviser Dato’ Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, Perak State Exco Members, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Education Ministry Secretary-General Dato’ Wan Hashim Wan Rahim, Education Malaysia Director-General Datuk Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad, representatives from District Education Offices and educators were also in attendance.

The ceremony began with the singing of the Perak State Anthem, followed by the recitation of holy verses from the Quran before Sultan Nazrin consented to commence the dinner.

In her speech, Fadhlina Sidek described Perak as a blessed land rich in traditions of knowledge, intellectual heritage and an educational history of great significance to the national education development

She said that Perak not only has a strong educational legacy but has also produced many distinguished educators who have shaped the educational landscape of the country.

“Perak is indeed a blessed land rich in traditions of knowledge, intellectual heritage and an educational history that holds great significance for the nation,” she said.

She added that the state’s educational heritage is strengthened by the existence of prestigious educational institutions, such as the Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), now known as Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), and the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK), renowned as the “Eton of the East”.

These institutions have produced many leaders, language advocates, outstanding educators and intellectuals who have shaped the nation’s thinking and contributed to the country’s struggle for independence.

Meanwhile, the 55th National Teachers’ Day Celebration 2026, themed “Guru Bitara Nadi Negara” carries great significance in recognising the teaching profession as the backbone of nation-building.

She also touched on the Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026–2035, which will be the Ministry of Education’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the national education system remains relevant and ready to face future challenges.

“The Malaysia Plan Framework 2026–2035 emphasises mastery of knowledge, character building, mastery of new technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strengthening bilingualism.

“Through the progressive School Curriculum 2027, Bahasa Melayu and History will continue to be strengthened as the basis of national identity, besides expanding access to early childhood education as early as five years old. All these efforts are driven by the determination to ensure that national education remains relevant, progressive and capable of opening up equitable opportunities to all Malaysians, so that the light of knowledge continues to shine on the future of the nation,” she said.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.