A final honour crowns Hardev’s 36-year teaching journey

By Asia Samachar  | Malaysia |

Kampar school principal Hardev Singh Virk today received his third Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (APC) as he prepares to retire next month after a 36-year career in education.

The Excellent Service Award, a prestigious civil service recognition for outstanding government employees, including educators, was presented by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. Perak Education Director Zulkafli Mohamed Mokhtar was also present.

Speaking to Asia Samachar, the principal of SMK Methodist ACS Kampar said school leadership carried immense responsibility, especially in an age when social media could magnify minor issues.

“As a principal, you shoulder heavy responsibilities. You need to be aware of everything, down to the smallest detail. In today’s world, with social media, it becomes even more challenging.

“It is a high-pressure job, but I thank God that I had a good team. They gave their full cooperation. Despite all the constraints, we managed to deliver,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Kampar-lad returns to alma mater as principal

Hardev described the role as demanding but credited his team for helping the school achieve strong results despite various constraints. He also appreciated the support from the education ministry officials, including South Kinta District Education Officer Saiful Azman Mazlan.

Last year, the school emerged as one of the top performers in the Kinta Selatan district for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

Hardev began his teaching career in Lubok Antu, Sarawak, in 1989, where he taught Bahasa Melayu. He later returned to his alma mater, SMK Methodist ACS Kampar, serving in several leadership positions before becoming principal in 2020.

“Teaching has always been my passion. If you are passionate, you will be a good teacher,” he said.

For Hardev, the greatest reward has been watching students improve and return to share their achievements.

His wife, Saranjit Kaur, who teaches at neighbouring SMK Seri Kampar, will retire at the end of the year.

A Kampar native, Hardev is a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) graduate and holds a Master of Malay Language from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

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