Almaty-Tashkent-Khiva : 3 - 9 June 2016

I was invited as one of the three candidate opponents for PhD viva voce for Tashkent State Pedagogical University on the 9 June 2016 (Thursday). The other two were from Uzbekistan. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sharipov Shavkat Safarovich, the Rector of the Tashkent State Pedagogical University. Beside the 3 opponents there were 21 Conferment Committee Members which comprise professors from various universities in Uzbekistan who were also attended the session. The format of the viva voce was presentation by the candidate then followed by Q&A by the committee members. Once they were satisfied the opponents summarised their comments. Prior to the viva voce, opponents had read the dissertation and gave their feedback to the candidate for correction and improvement. I was the 3rd panel who gave my comments and conclusion. After my speech, the committee members cast their vote independently and secretly whether the candidate eligible for the conferment of PhD degree. The result was unanimous to confer the degree to the candidate.

Prof. Dr. Sharipov Shavkat Safarovich,  Rector of the Tashkent State Pedagogical University

L-R : Prof. Makhprat (Interpreter), me, Chairman of the Committee Members, Maksudjan (candidate)

On 6 June 2016 (Monday) I was invited to Central Institute of Teacher Retraining in Tashkent for courtesy visit. This is the second time I visited this institute as I was here in 2012 with IAB's delegation. The Rector and his senior officers were at the main entrance for my reception. I was brought directly to four training rooms to see the on-going training programs. All  participants were school headmasters from various parts of Uzbekistan. I was allowed to interact with the participants and most of them were interested to know about Malaysia particularly its education system. I was in four different rooms with different topics were being taught, i.e. Pedagogy, Patriotism, Economic Education and Basic English. Uzbekistan has now implemented new policy in their education system whereby English is one of the new emphasis.

At the end of my visit, I was invited to a special meeting with all the lecturers for a sharing of knowledge and experience session. In this special dialogue, most of the questions posed by the lecturers were on Malaysian system of education with special interest on professional developments for educational leaders.

With lecturers of the Central Institute

On 7 June 2016 (Tuesday) I was in Khiva for school visit. Khiva is an ancient city which was about 1 hour fly from Tashkent. I was accompanied by Mr. Farkhod from Central Institute of Teacher Retraining, Tashkent. In Khiva, officer from regional office brought us to one of the Music School. We were presented with mini concert by students and teachers. After the concert we were brought to various classrooms to watch how music lessons were taking place.

One of the performances

Then we were brought to another school. This is an academic school which practice K9 system. I was brought to various classrooms and also exhibition room which exhibit the history of the school. There were no students in the school as they were on long summer holiday.

At the entrance of 9-Umumiy O'rta Ta'lim Maktabi

On 4 - 5 June 2016 I was in Almaty, Kazakhstan to meet my friends at KIMEP University. The meeting was focussing on a project that has yet to be completed.

With Aisham and Dr. Maganat at KIMEP University, Almaty