The professor in the Department of Education Psychology and Counselling in Universiti Malaya made the bold remark at the recent "Educational Trends and Challenges and the Mission of the Church" consultation organised by the NECF Malaysia Research Commission.

She added that most Christian children are discouraged from going into the teaching profession because it is perceived as a non-lucrative career.

Prof. Chiam’s view is credible given that most of the members of the Teachers Christian Fellowship (TCF) are over 45 years old, as reported by Indryani Kannaiya representing TCF. Additionally, most Christian teachers come from East Malaysia, observed another consultation participant, Dr Hannah Pillay who is the principal of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Methodist Banting.

Some 40 people involved in education attended the consultation to identify the current trends and challenges, and the Church’s mission in education.

The issue of the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English was also discussed. Dr Pillay believed that the Government’s proposal, when implemented, would provide more opportunities for the language to be used, and thus enhance English proficiency. Dr Chiam concurred and added that it would help students to familiarise themselves with technology terms since they are mainly in English.

Research Commission member Datuk Lew Sip Hon, however, said that English proficiency could be improved in other ways such as increasing the hours of English lessons.

Participants also discussed the issue of indiscipline and declining morals in schools and traced their cause to the breakdown of the family structure. These problems have given rise to religious schools, whether Islamic or Christian. Participants agreed that the Church must play a more active role in building strong families to stem the tide of decline.

The Church must also show greater support to teachers and present teaching as an influential and honourable profession to its young ones.