The orang asli children from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Kenang, Sungai Siput (U), Perak presenting a song to the audience

Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail receiving a token of appreciation from UCSI University’s Chancellor, Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad

Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail receiving a token of appreciation from Ms Ivy Tan, General Manager of MPH Publishing Group

Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail together with the Chancellor of UCSI University, the University’s Management Team and the General Manager of MPH Publishing Group

Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail signing a copy of his book ‘Life Through My Eyes’ for a member of the audience

Kuala Lumpur, 24 September, 2011 - UCSI Publishing House together with MPH Group Publishing Sdn Bhd has launched a new book entitled, ‘Life Through My Eyes: a teacher’s little steps towards perfection,’ which addresses how teacher’s can be creative and resourceful in their teaching methods to help beginning teachers ensure effective classroom learning for their pupils. 

In exploring the problems at hand, the book conveys a personal encounter of a new teacher in his first year, Mr Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail, author and teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Kenang, Sungai Siput (U), Perak, and his innovative teaching and learning methods. It also contains the individual learning stories of pupils in an orang asli primary school, who was present for the event, growing together alongside the personal and professional story of their teacher. 

“This book is also evidence of a mission which the University has always strived to promote: lifelong learning. By planting the seed of education among the Temiar children of Kampung Kenang, Muhammad Hafiz is effectively showing them that the effects of education goes beyond just exams and classroom lessons. It is also a life-changing agent, enabling one to see beyond the compounds to which they are used to,” said Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Abdul Rahman Arshad, Chancellor of UCSI University. 

“At UCSI University, we believe in transforming individuals from all walks of life into extraordinary individuals. This book resonates with the University’s intent to achieve and deliver innovations in learning and teaching,” he added. 

The book is also one way to honour the pledge of the University and to disseminate new knowledge and discovery that infuses the learning and teaching of the University in efforts to touch the hearts of its readers and inspire current and future educators. 

“I have realised that the training and pedagogy received with my teacher education degree prepared me well for the demands of the school and the pupils’ needs, especially when teaching them mathematics. I have seen how excited the pupils are when learning mathematics with the active learning approaches I prepared for them,” said Muhamad Hafiz bin Ismail, the author of ‘Life Through My Eyes.’ 

“Although the blog is an excellent way for global dissemination of information, I remain convinced of the power of a published book to reach a wider audience, including parents, trainee teachers, experienced teachers and other educators, as well as the general public,” he added. 

According to the manager of UCSI Publishing House, Associate Professor Dr. Alan Keoy Kay Hooi, “using writing and photographs to document and reflects on his practice as a teacher, the author has deepened his understanding of the syllabus, made new discoveries and shared his experiences to a wider audience.” 

‘Life Through My Eyes’ is the first teaching aid published by UCSI Publishing House, a subsidiary company under UCSI Group Sdn Bhd. UCSI Publishing House is part of the University’s ambition to becoming a ‘Praxis University,’ a university that provides students not only academic knowledge, but real-life opportunities in which to apply that knowledge.