Tanjung malim: Tadika Bitara, under the National Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC) of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), has become the first preschool in Malaysia to be recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff stated that the recognition, confirmed with the official certificate presented on Aug 11, marked a historic milestone for the nation’s education sector. He highlighted that the preschool has consistently provided quality, inclusive early childhood education anchored on universal values and is a pioneer in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This program teaches children about environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, and global awareness from an early age.

Md Amin explained that children at Tadika Bitara are trained to live sustainably through activities such as gardening, recycling, waste management, energy conservation, and community projects. He emphasized that this recognition places Tadika Bitara on the international stage as a model of sustainability-focused preschool education. Furthermore, he mentioned that the recognition also acknowledges NCDRC’s role as a leader in early childhood research, development, and innovation.

NCDRC director Assoc Prof Dr Mazlina Che Mustafa described the achievement as a collective national success that elevates Malaysian preschool education globally. She noted that the preschool’s ESD programs were also studied under a project led by former UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Aminah Ayob to assess their impact on children’s development and global awareness. Dr. Mazlina added that Tadika Bitara’s experience could serve as an international reference and that ASPnet membership opens doors for collaboration through seminars, workshops, joint projects, and access to UNESCO’s exclusive learning resources.