NewsFeed

January 6, 2025

Ontario College Strike Looms Over Labor Dispute

Uncertainty is surrounding the upcoming semester at colleges in Ontario, Canada, as a strike deadline approaches. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has been in negotiations with the College Employer Council (CEC), which represents the province's 24 public colleges, to reach a new collective agreement. If no deal is reached by September 10, a strike could occur, affecting over 500,000 students and 12,000 faculty members. The union is seeking improved working conditions, job security, and better pay for its members.

https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/uncertainty-surrounds-college-semester-in-ontario-as-strike-deadline-looms-1.7166428

January 6, 2025

POLYCC Unveils Centralized Library System

The Malaysian Polytechnic and Community College (POLYCC) has launched a Centralized Library System and an iPOLYCC Data Dashboard to enhance digital transformation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The systems, developed using the open-source KOHA system, aim to create an inclusive and sustainable digital library for Polytechnic and Community College communities. The data dashboard provides real-time data management, integrating information from the Higher Education Ministry's MYMOHES system, and offers comprehensive statistics on student numbers, staff statistics, and institutional management data. The launch was officiated by Muhamad Rumzi Mamat, Deputy Director-General (Planning) of the Polytechnic and Community College Education Department, at the Tan Sri Othman Merican Library in Politeknik Ungku Omar.

https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2025/01/07/polytechnics-and-community-colleges-drive-digitalization-with-centralized-library-system/

Shehbaz Sharif Cracks Down on Human Traffickers

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to confiscate assets of individuals involved in human trafficking and strengthen prosecution by hiring top-notch lawyers. This directive comes after a tragic boat capsizing incident off Greece last year, where over 80 Pakistanis drowned, with more than 30 FIA officials being booked and dismissed for alleged collusion with human traffickers. The prime minister has also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to coordinate with foreign countries for the extradition of Pakistani nationals involved in human trafficking abroad. Additionally, he has ordered an awareness campaign against illegal migration and emphasized the need for technical training institutes to produce certified professionals aligned with global market needs.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341431/human-traffickers-confiscate-all-their-assets-pm-orders-fia

January 6, 2025

Sindh Opposition Leader Warns Over Education Crisis

Sindh's opposition leader Ali Khurshidi expressed deep concerns over the education system in the province, warning that an impending failure threatens to jeopardize students' futures. He demanded that the government present its stance on addressing these problems. The opposition leader also highlighted a tragic incident where a child lost his life due to an open manhole in Karachi's Shah Faisal Colony and called for financial compensation for families who suffer such losses. In response, Sindh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar reassured the house that the government is committed to addressing all issues across the province. He also extended an olive branch to the opposition, suggesting collaboration on drafting terms of references (TORs) to tackle the highlighted issues. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani assured the house of his government's commitment to preventing fatalities caused by uncovered manholes. He revealed that over 400,000 manhole covers have been installed across Karachi and instructed the UCs to ensure covering all of them with lids. The assembly also paid rich tributes to the founding chairman of the PPP, late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Several lawmakers praised Bhutto's invaluable services to the nation and democracy, highlighting his greatest accomplishment as providing Pakistan with a unanimous Constitution.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341403/opposition-in-sindh-pa-raises-the-alarm-about-worsening-education-crisis

January 6, 2025

UGC Ditches NET Exam for Top University Posts

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed new rules for hiring vice-chancellors and faculty members in universities. According to the draft regulations released on Monday, industry experts or experienced professionals can be directly appointed as vice-chancellors. The UGC-NET exam will no longer be a mandatory requirement for those with a post-graduate degree in Master of Engineering (ME) or Masters of Technology (M.Tech) who have secured at least 55% marks to apply for the post of assistant professor.

https://www.news18.com/explainers/what-are-ugcs-new-rules-to-hire-vice-chancellors-faculty-has-net-been-scrapped-for-certain-posts-explained-9180257.html

January 6, 2025

UGC Rejects Kerala's VC Selection Committee Plan

The Kerala government has faced a setback as the University Grants Commission (UGC) rejected its proposal to appoint a five-member search-cum-selection committee for Vice-Chancellors of state universities. This decision comes after the State Assembly passed legislation seeking to remove the Governor as Chancellor of state universities, which is yet to receive presidential approval.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-to-oppose-ugcs-move-to-overhaul-v-c-recruitment/article69072750.ece

Bank of Mum and Dad's Privilege Gap

The article discusses how the bank of nan and pop is exacerbating the polarisation of Australia's education system by allowing parents to pay for private schools, creating an uneven playing field for students from different socio-economic backgrounds. The author references their own experience at a public high school in the 1990s, where there was no grass on the grounds, highlighting the stark contrast between public and private schools.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-the-bank-of-nan-and-pop-is-making-our-polarised-school-system-even-worse-20250103-p5l1x0.html

January 6, 2025

Chegg Shifts Focus to Mastery Over Quick Answers

Chegg, an education technology company, is shifting its marketing strategy in 2025 to focus on competing with external AI tools by prioritizing the customer and product experience. The company's goal is to help students master course material rather than just provide quick answers, according to CEO Osman Rashid Bahri. To achieve this, Chegg plans to launch creative campaigns featuring its brand ambassador Ace to connect with consumers and showcase its capabilities.

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/chegg-mascot-campaign-ai/

DepEd, DOST Unite for Science Education

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on science education during a ceremony at the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS). Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of working together to advance science education and develop future scientists and innovators.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/07/tmt-newswire/deped-dost-team-up-to-strengthen-science-education-and-innovation/2031446