As Malaysia gears up for the implementation of Kurikulum 2027, a significant shift towards values-based and student-centered learning is underway. Central to this transformation is the emphasis on holistic education, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on emotional development and empathy. Recognizing this, Program Guru KARISMA (Karakter Inspirasi Masyarakat) has been launched to prepare educators for this paradigm shift.
Program Guru KARISMA Empowering Educators Nationwide
Program Guru KARISMA is a year-long professional development initiative designed by Arus Academy, with full funding from Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia. The program aims to equip teachers with the tools and mindset necessary to foster emotionally resilient classrooms. By focusing on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), the program helps educators build stronger teacher-student relationships and create meaningful learning environments.
The recent Sidang Guru Kemuncak KARISMA 2025 summit brought together 300 educators including 70 trained participants, for a day of workshops, classroom showcases, and panel discussions on holistic education. The even highlighted practical strategies for integrating SEL into academic subjects, aligning with the goals of Kurikulum 2027.
Real Impact Voices from the Classroom
Educators who participate in Program Guru KARISMA have reported significant positive changes in their teaching approaches. For instance, Sarinah Suratman from SK Kiaramas, Kuala Lumpur, shared that the training helped her manage her own emotions better, making her a more balanced and effective educator.
Similiarly, Christina Pang Kang Jing from SJK(C) Sam Yoke noted that the program provided practical ways to integrate SEL into daily lessons, helping students manage emotions and build stronger relationships.
The summit also featured international SEL expert Keeth Matheny, who led sessions on SEL-integrated pedagogy, teacher wellbeing, and holistic student assessment. A multidisciplinary panel discussed new models of student assessment that measure not just academic outcome but also empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility.
Building a Compassionate and Resilient Education System
Program Guru KARISMA aligns with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025, emphasizing holistic student development and the cultivation of ethical, globally minded citizens. It also supports global education commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.7, which calls for the integration of global citizenship, human rights, peace, and sustainability into education policy and practice.
By investing in teachers as agents of change, Program Guru KARISMA is laying the foundation for a more compassionate and resilient education system in Malaysia. As Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Trustee & Managing Director at Yayasan Hasanah, aptly stated, “When we equip teachers to lead with empathy and intention, we’re not just transforming classrooms, we’re shaping a more compassionate and resilient education system for Malaysia.”
For more information on Program Guru KARISMA, Visit https://arus.cc/selkarisma.
