THE teaching profession remains the backbone of national development as educators continue shaping future leaders and guiding younger generations through increasingly complex global challenges, says Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim.
Speaking at the Penang National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) Teachers’ Day Celebration in Seberang Jaya today, the Bukit Mertajam MP said every national leader began their journey under the guidance of teachers.
“Every Prime Minister, President, Minister and even King began with a teacher who patiently taught them how to read and write,” he said in his speech before approximately 1,000 teachers from across Penang.
The programme was organised by the National Union of the Teaching Profession, one of Malaysia’s largest unions with around 230,000 members across 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia.
Sim, who previously served as Human Resources Minister from December 2023 to December 2025, also stressed the importance of strong unions in safeguarding workers’ welfare and rights.
“If we stand alone, perhaps nothing happens. But when we unite, when we stand together, when we have NUTP, our welfare can be protected,” he said.
He noted that teachers carry responsibilities far beyond classroom teaching, including mentoring students, shaping character and handling administrative duties.
“A payslip does not show the sweat, sacrifices and tears of a teacher carrying the immense responsibility of shaping the nation’s future generations,” he added.
During the event, NUTP also expressed appreciation to Steven Sim for introducing several labour reforms during his tenure as Human Resources Minister, including efforts to strengthen worker protection and welfare.
Sim congratulated civil servants, including teachers, for receiving a 15 per cent salary increase after more than 12 years without salary revisions.
He said the government had also implemented various measures to improve workers’ welfare, including increasing the minimum wage, strengthening protection for gig workers and enhancing civil servants’ salaries.
“Without unions we are weak, and without unity we cannot defend workers’ rights and welfare,” he said.
Also present were Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, NUTP leaders and representatives from the Penang State Education Department.
