National level education carnival to be held next year

SHAH ALAM - The Sinar Bestari Education Carnival may take place on a national level next year and will be expanded to other states following the overwhelming response from visitors.

Its project director Meen Tahrin said he did not expect the carnival organised by Sinar Bestari, which was held for the first time, to be well received when 100,000 visitors attended the educational carnival.

"Alhamdulillah, overall I am very happy by the response given by visitors to the carnival.

"This means that the community places a great importance to education for their children who will become the next generation of national leaders.

"Throughout the three days of the carnival, we received a variety of positive reactions from teachers, students and parents who requested that this carnival be expanded to other states," he said.

Meen, who is also the Sinar Harian's Lifestyle Executive Editor added that the company is also willing to work with the private sector to make the educational carnival filled with variety of scientific programmes that are beneficial.

He also expressed his appreciation to all parties, especially Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who was willing to inaugurate the carnival.

"On behalf of the organisers, I would like to thank the Selangor State Education Department especially the Education Technology Resources Sector (SSTP), the Student Development Sector (SPM), the District Education Office (PPD), the administrators, teachers, exhibitors involved and the entire community.

"Indeed, the knowledge imparted to our children will surely be remembered forever," he explained.

Meanwhile, Sinar group Editor-in-Chief Zamri Rambli said he was initially worried that the carnival would not be well received by visitors since it was held for the first time which emphasised the theme of education.

However, he said the assumption was wrong when he received an extraordinary response from the public.

"We didn't bring popular artists on the carnival stage, instead the students become 'stars'. With the opportunity given, they can show their talent in various events.

"Among them are choral speaking, marching competition, dikir barat, Sinar Bestari Got Talent, traditional dance, robotics, storytelling, basketball and many more.

"Initially we only expected around 30,000 visitors, but who would have thought that over the three days it would exceed 100,000," he said.

He said the visitors came not only from Selangor but from various states including Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Terengganu.

He also said that the carnival received positive feedback from exhibitors and traders involved in MakanFest sales.

"Many traders admitted that they didn't lose hope even the food sold had to be added because it ran out since noon.

"So, they are interested in booking the place early if this carnival is held next year.

"God willing, if we get the support of many including sponsors, the state government and exhibitors, we will bring the Sinar Bestari Education Carnival next year and add in other locations," he said.