Fostering Global Education Through the Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme (KOMTEP): Building Bridges Between Malaysia and South Korea 

By Rusydi bin Ruslan 

The Korea-Malaysia Teacher Exchange Programme (KOMTEP), launched in 2014, serves as a beacon of educational collaboration between Malaysia and South Korea. The Ministry of Education Korea host the programme, and operated by the Asia-Pacific Teacher Exchange for Global Education (APTE), expertly managed by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in partnership with Malaysia’s Ministry of Education. This ambitious initiative has garnered participation from several other regional countries, including the Philippines, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Thailand, and Vietnam. KOMTEP’s primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of educators in both Malaysia and Korea, fostering deeper insights into each other’s education systems and cultures, honing intercultural communication skills, and building robust educational networks. 

In the current 2023 edition of KOMTEP, ten Malaysian and ten Korean teachers are embarking on a unique educational journey. Korean educators find themselves in the educational precincts of Terengganu, while their Malaysian counterparts immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes of Gwangju, Gyeongnam, Jeju, and Daejeon in Korea. This exchange transcends conventional classroom boundaries, offering a dynamic experience. Participants actively engage in various activities, including curriculum-aligned teaching sessions, where they share insights into their respective countries’ education systems and cultures. 

KOMTEP, however, goes beyond a typical teacher exchange program. It embraces the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCED), aiming to instill a sense of global responsibility in educators and students. This framework encourages participants to initiate personal projects to foster mutual understanding between Malaysia and Korea. One remarkable project within this context is the Zero Waste Programme, a pioneering initiative that aligns with KOMTEP’s broader mission to empower educators from both nations. 

Empowering Through “Zero Waste” 

A Journey Towards Sustainability 

The Zero Waste Programme is a visionary initiative that seeks to cultivate awareness among young minds about the critical importance of conservation and the urgent need to minimize waste. To grasp the significance of this program, it is essential to understand its origins. 

In today’s world, we face the formidable challenge of climate change, primarily driven by the relentless rise in global temperatures, known as global warming. This environmental crisis has inflicted significant harm on our shared home, Earth. Despite its undeniable consequences, progress and development continue unabated. As Earth’s inhabitants, it is our duty to take action to protect it. 

While discussions about global warming are widespread, action is required to make a real impact. Every individual must assume responsibility for positively impacting the environment. Motivated by this belief, I embarked on a personal mission to transition from a passive observer to an active advocate for change. My aim was not only to change my own habits but also to inspire others, leveraging my role as an educator. 

Teachers have a unique role in shaping students’ values and inspiring change. I aimed to introduce the concept of “Zero Waste” to young learners, encouraging them to embrace sustainable living and nurture their love for our planet. 

At Sinchang Elementary School, I witnessed the enthusiasm of students who eagerly embraced “Zero Waste” practices. My previous experience at SK Kiaramas in Malaysia showed encouraging results, motivating students to adopt these practices in their daily lives. Now, my goal is to expand “Zero Waste” beyond the classroom and engage the wider community, fostering collaboration between schools and communities. 

To further this effort, I am creating a comprehensive teacher’s handbook, offering guidance to educators interested in initiating “Zero Waste” projects in their schools. This handbook encompasses strategies and ideas for project sustainability, benefiting both teachers and students. 

Successful “Zero Waste” activities at Sinchang Elementary School include recycling initiatives, art competitions focused on saving the Earth, student-led recycling teams, origami sessions using recycled materials for marine conservation, digital quizzes on zero waste, and DIY cleaning agents made from tangerine scraps. 

During my stay in Korea, I plan to collaborate with the Gwangju community to promote the “Zero Waste” concept. My initiatives include creating a “Zero Waste” infographic poster and exploring innovative ways to repurpose food waste into useful products. 

I extend an open invitation to the Gwangju community to join me in the successful execution of the “Zero Waste” project, benefiting students at Sinchang Elementary School and contributing to a more sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and inspire positive change. 

The Author 

Rusydi bin Ruslan, a Malaysian educator with 15 years’ experience, fervently believes in the power of education to change the world. He emphasizes the importance of instilling noble values in youth, ensuring these principles become part of their daily lives, echoing the saying, “Start early for lasting impact.” Instagram: @rusydi231984