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Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
3 5 y e a r s o f d e v o t i o n
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A Retirement Tribute to Dato’ Haji Imran bin Idris : 35 Years of Devotion
First Edition, September 2010©Politeknik Seberang Perai
Published by Politeknik Seberang Perai
©All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the copyright owner.
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Data Pengkatalogan-dalam-PenerbitanA Retirement Tribute to Dato’ Haji Imran bin Idris : 35 Years of DevotionISBN 978-983-44298-4-31. Politeknik Seberang Perai. 2. Universities and colleges--Pulau Pinang--Permatang Pauh. 3.Education, Higher--Pulau Pinang--Permatang Pauh.378.595113
Idea & ConceptCIDM Politeknik
Design & LayoutCIDM Politeknik
Published byPoliteknik Seberang PeraiJalan Permatang Pauh13500 Permatang PauhPulau Pinang
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3 | Preface
4 | The Early Years
10 | Sailing Through An Eventful Journey
18 | Commanding A Crew Of Agents Of Change
24 | Cruising Into A New Course
28 | A Conversation With Dato’ Haji Imran Idris
33 | Milestone
37 | Imran, The Husband and Father
39 | Acknowledgement
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �
con
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This retirement tribute book is written
to recognize and honour the outstanding service and role
of the first Director General of
Polytechnic Education Department, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia,
Dato’ Haji Imran bin Idris,
who has made significant contributions to technical and
polytechnic education in a career that spanned 35 years.
Dato’ Imran bin Idris is instrumental to the growth of polytechnic education
and the setting up of community colleges
for the benefit of the youths in Malaysia.
Achieving a ‘first’ in many fronts, Imran is an educator with a high
commitment in bringing change through education.
This book aims at capturing the contributions, values and philosophies of our
Director General to inspire others in the organization.
Contents in this book are arranged in four sections and are based on a 4-hour
interview with Dato’ Haji Imran.
•
�
pre
face
The Early Years
� A family portrait
THE EARLY YEARS
Born on 29 September 1952, Imran received his primary
schooling in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Batu Pekaka,
Kuala Ketil, Kedah. The English medium school was
without basic amenities at that time but it had a multiracial
composition which gave Imran a wider perspective on
life.
It was there that he learned independence and
tolerance. He recounted that students in those days
did things by themselves and worked together. He felt
fortunate to have Kirkby and Brinsford-trained teachers
taught him during his formative years. He felt indebted
to his teachers and appreciated that they were willing to
serve far away from their hometowns. Imran attributed his
wide worldview to his teachers who were mainly Chinese
and Indians. “I can see a lot of people working together,
tolerance was practised in those days and this is something
I came to cherish very much in later years,” he said.
As a young boy growing up in a small town in the
sixties, Imran faced challenging times and soon learned
that things do not come easy. His parents taught him that
one has to work hard for what one wants. “My parents
had formal schooling although they didn’t have the
opportunity to pursue secondary education. They were
concerned about studies but they didn’t pressure me,” he
said. His parents’ economic circumstances motivated him
to do something for himself so that they could benefit from
his success.
Imran felt a sense of pride when he was selected
to enter the prestigious Malay College Kuala Kangsar
as it was the only English medium boarding school for
Malay students at that time. Imran quickly learned to
be independent when submerged in a school culture of
freedom and independence where ‘the students virtually
ran the school’. He felt he did not stand out as all the
students were smart and intelligent since they were
specially selected for admission to the college.
Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) is a premier and first fully residential school in Malaysia. Established on 2nd January 1905, it was originally known as the Malay Residential School of Kuala Kangsar. Initially founded to educate the Malay elites, it changed dramatically as a result of rising Malay nationalism since 1947.
MCKK has been the school for many prominent Malaysians such as kings, sultans, prime ministers, ministers as well as senior officials in the Government and leading figures in the private sector.
SK Batu Pekaka
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �
Prep School �9��malay college kuala kangsar
Prep School �9��malay college kuala kangsar
When Imran was in Form 4 and Form 5, he was
fascinated by engineering projects and that fueled his
interest in engineering. Incidentally, engineering was a
popular choice among top scholars at that time. Imran
was inspired by the old boys who came back during the
weekends and held forums. “I wanted to be among the
top students and felt that engineering would give me more
satisfaction,” said Imran.
Imran won a scholarship from the Ministry of
Education and went on to pursue a degree in Mechanical
Engineering at the University of Liverpool in UK after
passing his Higher School Certificate (HSC). Two things
struck him while he was there – British courtesy and
studying at the university was easier than studying for
HSC!
Founded in 1881, the University of Liverpool has an impressive history of pioneering education and research, with a particular emphasis on ‘education for the professions’.
On a riverside cruise while in EuropeWith a friend at the English countryside
9
Feeding pigeons at Trafalgar Square
Sailing Through an Eventful Journey
The happiest moment of my life was to be able to care for my parents
��
SAILING THROUGH AN EVENTFUL JOURNEY
A Grateful Son
At the age of nineteen when
many young adults are mulling
over their true self-identity,
Imran was already on his way to
shoulder huge responsibilities
to his family and his career.
“When I came back to Malaysia
in 1975, I really wanted to do
the best I could as a grateful son
to my parents, to return their
kindness in bringing me up and making me what I am. I
wish to make them happy and that they do not have to live
a hard life anymore.” Imran reminisces, “I looked back
at all those years and saw how far I had come and how
much they had done for me. He credited his parent for
encouraging him each time he fell. It was their guidance
that helped him to overcome fears, disappointments and
frustrations.
A Versatile Lecturer
Imran marched on his first few years as a lecturer in the
Politeknik Ungku Omar making the most of his expertise
in two disciplines, engineering and education. He found
himself experiencing and learning new things day by day,
managing people and maintaining equipment.
“Politeknik Ungku Omar is an established
polytechnic. The graduates then were well respected and
well regarded by the public and private sectors. This I
thought was related to both the performance of the staff
and also the performance of the students. The students
showed consistent results in exams. This goes to prove the
correlation between the two. Good teachers produce good
students.”
Named after the late Dato’ Profesor Ungku Omar Ahmad, Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) was the first polytechnic established in Malaysia. It started its operation in 1969 and has produced competent technicians in the engineering field, executive officers and semi professionals in both the public and private sectors. In 2010, PUO was recognized as a Premier Polytechnic, ready to lead the process of transformation.
A young scholar at theUniversity of Liverpool,UK
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
In recalling his past experience, Imran mentions
how learning by doing was so much emphasized in the
classrooms and workshops. Lecturers and students gained
practical experience
when they had to
maintain equipment
themselves. A natural
learning environment
should be created in
the classrooms so
that knowledge can
be gained through
research, trial and
error and networking.
It is important to
create a learning
environment where knowledge can be acquired from many
resources. Involving students in project work, for instance,
allows the students to assume responsibilities. They
are responsible for what they learn. When empowered,
students ask questions, seek answers and begin to analyze
information, hence leading them to be more critical and
creative and gradually training them to be independent
learners. Imran emphasises, “Students need to be guided
and nurtured. They need to be given a strong foundation
before they are left on their own.” A close relationship
between lecturers and students would result in better
interaction and improved performance.
An Outstanding School Principal
A young Imran thought that
he would be a lecturer forever,
but his career path took a
turning when he was promoted
to become a school principal
at the age of 27. He felt that
during his time it was rather
unusual for an engineering
degree holder to be leading a school. To him it was a big
challenge to prove the common perception wrong, that
technical people are not good at leading an institution.
When he stepped into Sek. Men. Vokasional Ipoh as a
Principal he had to bear the pressure to do well.
“Ungku Omar Polytechnic (PUO) is an established polytechnic. The graduates then were well respected and well regarded by the public and private sectors.”
Escorting a VIP on a visit to PUO
SMV Ipoh PTA’S AGM
Principal of SMV Ipoh
��
A Tenacious Principal
Politeknik Batu Pahat was
then sharing its premises with
Sekolah Menengah Teknik
Johor Bahru when Imran was
appointed the Principal. He
found himself given a new
role to play. With patience and
determination things were put in place. He thought the
geographical location of the polytechnic had its advantage.
Being near Singapore, the staff of the polytechnic had
many opportunities to visit technical exhibitions held in
Singapore.
“The lecturers took a log book with them to note
the specifications of mechanical and civil engineering
equipment they saw at the exhibitions, giving them the
advantage of being at the front line, to be informed of the
latest updates on technology.” Lecturers need to equip
themselves not only with learning and thinking skills but
they also need to aquire information and communication
technology literacy. Imran advises lecturers to keep abreast
of changing trends in technical education.
However, his experience in playing a multi-faceted role
in Politeknik Ungku Omar was all that he needed to fall
back on.
He managed to make a significant improvement in the
students’ academic performance despite having to face
the challenges in disciplining them. At the point when the
academic results showed an upward trend he had to leave
Sek. Men. Vokasional Ipoh to report for duty at the Batu
Pahat Polytechnic.
Politeknik Batu Pahat started its operation in 1983 and was made a Training Centre for the Polytechnic Staff in 1993. Today, the institution is better known as University Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM).
Sekolah Menengah Vokasional Ipoh has undergone various changes since its establishment in 1930 as a Goverment Trade School. Now known as Sekolah Menengah Teknik Lebuh Cator, the school offers technical and vocational subjects aimed at developing students’ technical competencies.
PBP Community event
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �4
A Persistent Leader
Imran found the 12-year stint spent in Politeknik Alor
Setar (POAR), later known as Politeknik Sultan Abdul
Halim Mu’adzam Shah (POLIMAS), quite substantial in
terms of planning, executing, evaluating and seeing the
results. “On the other hand, 12 years might be too long.
In managing an institution, after five years one would tend
to repeat the same cycle. In any organisation there will
be progress, stagnation, … it will plateau off and there’ll
be signs of decline. The leader needs to do something
different. It’s always a learning process when one reaches
a 5-year period in administration,” he says.
Imran stresses that the love for teaching among
staff is essential for a teaching institution. His challenge
was to get staff to be dedicated and to be serious in their
jobs. He wanted to inculcate discipline in the students and
see them serious in their studies. Imran aimed to make
sure lecturers have self confidence which he thought was
lacking.
It was in POLIMAS that he paved the way to
establish collaborative relationships with the industry.
When he was with PUO, he found that engagement with
the industry was minimal. At that time, there did not seem
to be a need because clients were from the government
sectors. Imran admits, “When engaging with the industry,
I felt inferior in terms of our
knowledge and abilities. We
lack courage and confidence.”
However, a study visit to
Canada made him realize the
importance of engaging with
the industry. He reflects, “If
we were the private sector,
we’d expect a high ROI (return on investment).” He adds,
“Our people must know their jobs well, be experts in their
own fields, be dedicated and have the correct attitude first.
Having the abilities and confidence makes it easier to
engage with the industry.”
POLIMAS management team
A study visit to Canada
��
Officiating a seminar in POLIMAS
Imran saw an opportunity to collaborate with
companies like Kedah Marble, Matsushita and Siemens
in Jitra and so he reached out to the industry starting
with personal contacts. He described the Research and
Consultancy Unit he set up in POLIMAS as the icing on
the cake. Staff was able to do consultancy work with the
industry.
In response to a question about how he felt when
he had to leave POLIMAS, he replied, “Fresh blood was
needed to take the polytechnic to the next level.”
A Visionary Director
When Imran left POLIMAS and climbed up the ladder to
assume the post of Director of Technical and Vocational
Curriculum Division, he had the opportunity to make a
difference. “Curriculum is a very influential tool; it is the
basis of the whole process, so when I was asked to lead
the Curriculum Division. I got the opportunity to put in all
the theory, to realize what I thought should be there.” He
realized that it was the curriculum that would determine
the output. In other words, the curriculum determines the
quality of the students produced.
“We are accountable for developing students
who are knowledgeable and skilful and at the same
time enthusiastic about their own learning. Ultimately
they should be able to use their knowledge and skills to
function effectively in their undertakings. We need to be
comprehensive but yet be realistic in achieving our goals.”
Imran explains his vision, “The real process of learning is
to relate what is learned in the classroom to the real world
outside the classroom.” “Curriculum is a very influential tool; it is the basis of the whole process, so when I was asked to
lead the Curriculum Department I got the opportunity to put in all the theory, to realize what I
thought should be there.”
With the former Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Dr Hj Shafie Mohd Salleh
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
Conferred the Dato’ Setia DiRaja Kedah (DSDK) by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah.
�7
Commanding A Crew Of Agents Of Change
At the Official opening of Gerik Community College, 2007
�9
staff develop themselves. “When I see people grow, that’s
most satisfying.” He believes that if he can make them
grow, he has succeeded in placing another agent down
the line to bring about the desired change. Emphasizing
accountability, Imran puts in a considerable amount of
effort to make his staff aware that they are accountable
for themselves. Making this his main target, he wants the
staff to be interested and dedicated to their job. Only with
dedication can they be passionate with what they do.
Imran encourages them to go the extra mile of
developing themselves professionally and personally.
Hence Imran promotes the concept of lifelong learning. He
is committed in providing the avenues for his staff to venture
and reach greater heights. With this in mind, Imran sees the
transfer of the polytechnics from the Ministry of Education
to the Ministry of Higher Learning and its restructuring
as a positive move. This enables the polytechnic staff to
stand a better chance for professional advancement. With
the separation, the polytechnics academic staff is able
to secure more scholarships, participate in study visits
overseas and enjoy better privileges.
COMMANDING A CREW OF AGENTS OF CHANGE
“A good leader needs a good
follower,” said Imran. As the
captain, he appreciates his
crew as he believes that to be
successful, all on board, have to
work hand in hand. Team spirit
is the essence in accomplishing
a shared mission. Once infused
in a team, the spirit glows in the heart of each team member,
smoldering interpersonal relationships amongst them.
The spirit also strengthens the bonding where success and
failures are shared.
Imran emphasizes that in an organization, everyone
has a role to play. The polytechnics are supported by a
group of staff with varied abilities. He proposes a leveled
playing field where the junior staff and the more senior
staff can complement one another making the most out
of each other’s potentials and talents. By acknowledging
the diversity of each team member, the team will be better
prepared to step on a field to play a good game. It is the
team spirit that enables the organization to triumph and
win championships.
There is a Chinese saying, “If you grow a seed you
harvest a day, if you grow a plant you harvest a hundred
years but if you grow people you harvest a lifetime.”
Imran finds it satisfying when he succeeds in helping his
“A good leader needs a good follower.”
PUO Convocation Ceremony
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �0
With the new DH Scheme in place, Imran hopes to
grant his staff with privileges they long deserved. Chances
of promotion are higher as they can be promoted even
without holding a position in the system. Imran believes
that a rewarding scheme will boost the morale of the staff
making them more motivated and dedicated. Realizing that
the staff of the polytechnics has often been left ‘unnoticed’
because they are somewhere in between the universities
and the schools, Imran feels that the introduction of the
new scheme is timely.
Imran finds it satisfying when he sees people grow.
In relation to encouraging professional and personal growth,
Imran sees the need to recognize their potentials and
talents, giving them persistent encouragement, monitoring
their progress and rewarding them accordingly.
Imran emphasizes the importance of being versatile
and be ready to experiment and experience new things as
each day comes. He asserts, an educator plays a multitude
of roles. Reminiscing the past when he first started as a
lecturer at the Politeknik Ungku Omar, Imran recalled,
“At the early stage of my career I was already handling
many things. I was given the responsibility to take charge
of a fleet of buses. I consider myself a small bus manager.
Once, a bus needed repairing after an accident, my boss
wanted me to rebuild the bus. I found that he was quite
pushy, not allowing us to buy even a small component even
when it cost only 50 sen. It took me a while to understand
why he did that, only to realize that he actually wanted us
to experience manufacturing it.” What seemed to be a harsh
top down directive and a tough experience turned out to be
a meaningful lesson, as is often heard, “As your island of
knowledge grows, so does your shoreline of wonder.”
Imran’s passion is teaching. He finds teaching
satisfying. “Everyone would need to be a teacher in one
aspect or another, for example, as a corporate figure you
still take the role of a teacher, you still need to educate your
staff. You’re an educator, mentor and motivator, these are
the roles of a teacher.”
“Everyone would need to be a teacher in one aspect or another, for example, as a corporate figure you still take the role of a teacher, you still need to educate your staff. You’re an educator, mentor and motivator, these are the roles of a teacher.”
PUO Bus
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At the Department’s monthly staff assembly
On top of all Imran regards teachers as agents of
change, committed to making a difference in their lives
and the lives of others. Adopting a new shift in paradigm,
as professionals, teachers need to consistently question
what good teaching is and how best could they reach out
to their students.
With their expertise teachers can try to bring out the
best in each of them to meet high standards. Imran makes
his point, “I wanted them to be expert in their own way.
The people we have must be equipped with skills. If you
have the content and skills, it would be easier to advise
the people you lead.” As agents of change the teacher’s
role is not just to transfer knowledge but also to teach the
students how to lead their lives.
“I wanted them to be expert in their own way. The people we have must be equipped with skills. If you have the content and skills, it would be easier to advise the people you lead.”
Briefing the CIDM committee
at the 3rd FIRA Robot Soccer Tournament
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
Officiating the Excellence in Service Award Ceremony, 2008
When I see people grow, that’s most satisfying
��
Cruising Into A New Course
With the Minister of Higher Education Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Tan Sri Dr. Zulkefli A. Hassan at Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
��
CRUISING INTO A NEW COURSE
A Determined Transformer
Commenting on the recent Polytechnic
Transformation Plan launced in February 2010, Imran
explains that premier polytechnics are introduced to
spearhead the transformation process. They act as a
catalyst in terms of leading the rest of the polytechnics to
the next level.
He elaborates, “Metro polytechnics are located
right in the middle of the city and programmes will focus
on service-type industries. In the cities, the engine of
growth is mostly service oriented, such as finance, banking
and insurance. In the city environment, these are the types
of jobs very much in abundance.”
“With regard to university polytechnics, there is no
intention to change the structure of the polytechnic system
per se. The only difference is, when an institution starts to
offer degree programmes it is only right that we raise the
status to that of a university,” he adds.
The Polytechnic Transformation plan is drawn up to
enable the polytechnics to face new challenges and
meet new demands in technical education. In line with
National Higher Education Strategic Plan, the plan
a well-balanced employable human capital with first-
class mentality.
With the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Higher Education at the launching of Polytechnic Transformation Plan, February 2010.
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
Imran further elaborates that the proposed
Universiti Politeknik or ‘UniPol’ will not solely be offering
programmes at degree level because he believes the role
of polytechnics is to
provide human capital at
the mid-level, that is the
sub-professional level.
However, he stressed that
there is still a need to raise
the bar to a higher level
than where polytechnics
are currently.
He likens the progression to an evolution in which
the same DNA is carried from the certificate level to the
diploma level and advanced diploma level, right up to the
degree level. “In other words, we have not changed in terms
of our structure, in terms of our focus, our curriculum,
our emphasis…we are just moving up one level, we are
evolving,” he explains.
“In other words, we have not changed in terms of our structure, in terms of our focus, our curriculum, our emphasis…we are just moving up one level, we are evolving,”
Imran adds, “We started with a certificate
programme, it was only after almost 20 years that we
began to offer the diploma programme, and another 20
years, the advanced diploma. I think now is the time for us
to go to the next level is much shorter. Instead of another
20 years, we hope to see an evolution, a progression of our
polytechnics in another five years.”
At the DPCCE Teaching and Learning Video Festival, a collaboration with SONY Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Minister of Higher Education officiating the National Seminar on Instructional Design in Education
�7
A Conversation With Dato’ Haji Imran Idris
There are some things we have to do by the book because skipping it would land us in hot soup. For instance, I’d like to see people follow
Treasury directions. You can be adventurous in other matters but when it comes to following rules and regulations of the Treasury, we cannot afford to be adventurous. Nobody is going to cry for you when you cross the boundary.
I’m very happy, I’m looking forward to my retirement because I’ve served 35 years non-stop...if you were to run a long marathon, you really need to have some space and time for yourself.
�9
A CONVERSATION WITH DATO’ HAJI IMRAN IDRIS
How do you lead your team, motivate, inspire?
I find it satisfying to see people grow. I’d like to see the department grow from ‘not recognized’ to ‘now
very important’. I’d like to see the lecturers grow in terms of their competence, skills and their contributions, and
students more sought after by the industry, more employable. If you lead you must see that people gain advantage
through your leadership. It’s not about keeping all the advantages to yourself.
What does it take to be a leader?
The leadership textbooks tell us that a leader must have all the necessary traits for them to lead. A
leader must be knowledgeable; able to articulate thoughts and ideas so that
people feel you are worth following. A leader has a way with handling people,
motivating by way of talking to them, meeting them face to face, by way of
example. A leader knows where he wants to lead the organization. I read that
when we have a good leader without a good follower the organization will
not be successful. We require both, the leader and follower need to know their
responsibilities towards their organization. It is essential that both parties
work hand in hand for the organization to be successful. I used to make a
comparison of practices in Malaysia with what I see overseas. In the American
context, it has been said that if one goes to the CEO’s office, one can sit on the
CEO’s chair but this is not possible for one to do so in Malaysia because it can
be misconstrued as very rude and disrespectful. It’s a different culture all together here but what is important to me
is, I think a leader should be working for the betterment of the people he leads and the betterment of the institution
or organization as a whole. The other thing that I’d like see in a leader is the ability to make people feel that they
are proud to be to be part of the organization. That’s why all along I’d like to see that leaders have all the necessary
skills and knowledge.
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �0
How do you ensure that your vision is communicated right down to the lowest level?
It’s not easy to meet everyone in the organization, it’s just something that’s not possible but you’ll have
to depend on your ‘lieutenants’ or subordinates to see through what you have documented, what you have agreed
as your shared vision. We hope this is done through the directors of the polytechnics and the heads of department
because they are regularly consulted and regularly updated on the progress of what we do. To ensure that issues are
shared with the rest of the staff, I write in the Director General’s column published fortnightly.
Looking back, do you consider yourself to be idealogically and philosophically a different person, from Tn.Hj.Imran to Dato’Hj.Imran?
Essentially I’d say that I’ve not changed in terms of my approach
towards my job, my view of the people that I lead, the way that I expect
them to perform because I believe that I’d like to see that people grow. The
students’ employability is an important factor for us to consider as we have
to bear in mind that we should be accountable for whatever we have invested
in terms of the students’ training and also education. It is for that reason that
I’d like everybody to feel they have a role to play to help achieve our target.
The bottom line is, the students should be employable, and they should carry
our flag wherever they are, regardless of whether they are employed in the
industry or in the government sector.
There is a lot that I’ve to overcome in terms of what would enable me to move forward, sometimes frustrations can
be demoralizing. The disappointment is, as a system, I don’t think I have achieved the level of satisfaction that I’d
like to see happening. It’s not easy as there are so many leaders who have not been able to fulfill their aspirations
but again to me if every one of us really sees the importance of students’ employability as their main KPI target then
I would consider myself very successful.
My other disappointment is that I’ve not been able to bring our polytechnics to the level where people can see that
we are a force to be reckoned with. We have not come to a stage where the polytechnics are recognized in terms of
their importance like the community college in US or Canada. I cannot have the satisfaction when polytechnics
in Malaysia are not accorded the status of institutions like TAFE in Australia. I cannot feel the satisfaction when
��
polytechnics in Malaysia are not given the same recognition as polytechnics in Singapore. So in that sense we still
have a long way to go and that is my frustration. People do not see polytechnics as important as being regarded in
the countries I mentioned earlier. When you are in the ‘mid range’ either you are seen or you may not be seen at all.
Unless and until people see the importance of the role of polytechnics in the progress of the nation only then can they
appreciate its significance. I’d like to think that people will see a big loss if polytechnics are not there.
How do you feel about your retirement?
I’m very happy, I’m looking forward to my retirement because I’ve served 35 years non-stop. It has been
quite a long journey that I’ve gone through. So I suppose I need that kind of freedom from the continual 35-year
service. Imagine if you were to run a long marathon, you really need to have some space and time for yourself.
For the moment there’s no specific retirement plan, I’ll play by the ear. However, I’d definitely like to contribute if
there is anything worthwhile for me to venture into, not in the way of full time commitment as how I’ve been working
for the past 35 years though. But if my knowledge and experience are deemed useful then I would be happy to
contribute.
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
19591952
29 September 1952,born in Singora, Thailand
started early educationin SK Batu Pekaka, Kuala Ketil, Kedah
obtained the Lower Certificate of
Education (LCE)
selected for admission to
Malay College Kuala Kangsar
19651967
1969
obtained the Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE)
1971
obtained the Higher School Certificate (HSC)
1972
gained entry into the University of Liverpool, UK
1975
graduated with honours in B. Eng. (Mechanical)
19751979
started his career as a technical lecturer in Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO)
became the first graduate
Principal of Sek. Men.
Vokasional Ipoh
married Dalilah Hj Ahmad
19801983
appointed the first Principal of Politeknik Batu Pahat
1987
appointed Principal ofPoliteknik Alor Setar (PAOR/POLIMAS)
1995
conferred the Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Agong
obtained M.Sc in Training and HRM from the University of Leicester, UK
19981999
appointed Director of Technical and Vocational Curriculum Division
appointed Director of Community College Management Division, Technical Education Dept.
20012005
promoted to Director General, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE)
2009
conferred the Dato’ Setia DiRaja Kedah (DSDK) by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah
appointed Director General, Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE)
2008
retired at 58 years of age
2010
MILESTONE
��
19591952
29 September 1952,born in Singora, Thailand
started early educationin SK Batu Pekaka, Kuala Ketil, Kedah
obtained the Lower Certificate of
Education (LCE)
selected for admission to
Malay College Kuala Kangsar
19651967
1969
obtained the Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE)
1971
obtained the Higher School Certificate (HSC)
1972
gained entry into the University of Liverpool, UK
1975
graduated with honours in B. Eng. (Mechanical)
19751979
started his career as a technical lecturer in Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO)
became the first graduate
Principal of Sek. Men.
Vokasional Ipoh
married Dalilah Hj Ahmad
19801983
appointed the first Principal of Politeknik Batu Pahat
1987
appointed Principal ofPoliteknik Alor Setar (PAOR/POLIMAS)
1995
conferred the Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Agong
obtained M.Sc in Training and HRM from the University of Leicester, UK
19981999
appointed Director of Technical and Vocational Curriculum Division
appointed Director of Community College Management Division, Technical Education Dept.
20012005
promoted to Director General, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE)
2009
conferred the Dato’ Setia DiRaja Kedah (DSDK) by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah
appointed Director General, Department of Polytechnic Education (DPE)
2008
retired at 58 years of age
2010
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �4
Letter To A Teacherby Abraham Lincoln
He will have to learn, I know,
that all men are not just, all men are not true.
But teach him also that for every
scoundrel there is a hero;
that for every selfish Politician,
there is a dedicated leader
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
Steer him away from envy, if you can,
teach him the secret of quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to lick
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books
But also give him quiet time
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,
bees in the sun, and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him
it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas,
even if everyone tells him they are wrong
Teach him to be gentle with gentle people,
and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon
Teach him to listen to all men
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good that comes through.
�� Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
Students in SK Batu Pekaka, Kuala Ketil, Kedah 2010.
Teach him if you can, how to laugh when he is sad
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
and to beware of too much sweetness
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest
bidders
but never to put a price-tag on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob
and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him,
because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do
He is such a fine little fellow, my son!
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to ��
Imran, The Husband and Father
In an interview, Dato’ Haji Imran bin Idris’s wife, Datin
Dalilah bt Hj Ahmad, provides a glimpse of the private man
behind Imran at home. The couple met at a job confirmation
interview in Ipoh in 1976 and the chance meeting led to
a marital union three years later on 16 December, 1979.
Soon after the wedding, Imran was promoted to the post
of Principal at Sek. Men. Vokasional Ipoh. At 27, he was
the youngest principal to assume the responsibility at a
vocational school.
As Imran’s closest confidante, Datin Dalilah
provides a sympathetic ear as her husband shares his
concerns. Datin Dalilah describes her family as close
knit and says Imran is a good father to their five children.
She discloses that the family shares a warm and close
relationship and sounds almost embarrassed to reveal that
their grown up children still like doing things together
with their parents. Like any parents, they derived great
joy from their children’s successes but Datin Dalilah says
they do not pressure their children to study.
Imran is the elder of two siblings. His younger
sister is a medical doctor serving in a hospital in Sg.Petani.
In his spare time he loves reading and playing golf. His
favourite food is laksa.
Datin Dalilah singles out
patience as one of her
husband’s strengths.
According to Datin,
Imran’s basic
philosophy is “What
you do not want done
to yourself, do not do
to others.”
Imran and Dalilah
�7 Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �8
From the family photo album
Dato’ HajiImran bin Idris
ARetirement Tribute to �8
Jabatan Pengajian Politeknik Committee For Instructional Development & Multimedia
Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Pekaka, Kuala KetilSekolah Menengah Teknik Lebuh Cator, Ipoh
Kolej Melayu Kuala KangsarPoliteknik Malaysia
and all who have contributed in this project•
Special Thanks
�9