TEACHER'S DAY

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In Malaysia, Teacher's Day is celebrated on May 16. For Sekolah Menengah Teknik Seri Manjung, this year the celebration is on May 18. In some countries, Teachers' Days are special days for the appreciation of teachers. Some of them are holidays while others are celebrated during working days.
In countries like Ausralia, India, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey, teacher's day is celebrated on a working day whereas in countries like Singapore, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand and the USA it is a holiday.
Like Mother's Day, the date for celebrating Teacher's Day differs around the world, for example, the Australians celebrate it on the last Friday in October, the Indians celebrate it on September 5 and the Chinese celebrate it on September 28.

Let's look at how some Asian countries celebrate this day dedicated to teachers.

India
September 5 is Teacher's Day in India. It is the birthday of former Indian president and teacher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the president of India in 1962, some of his students and friends approached him and requested him to allow them to celebrate 5 September, his birthday. In reply, Dr. Radhakrishnan said, "Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers' Day."
This is not a holiday in India. It is considered a "celebration" day, where teachers and students report to school as usual but the usual activities and classes are replaced by activities of celebration, thanking and remembrance. At some schools on this day, the responsibility of teaching is taken up by the senior students as an appreciation for their teachers.

Singapore
In Singapore, Teachers' Day is an official school holiday, celebrated on September 1. Celebrations are normally conducted the day before, when students get half a day off.

South Korea
In South Korea, Teachers' Day(스승의 날 in Korean) is celebrated on May 15. On the celebration day, teachers are usually presented with carnations by their students, and both enjoy a shorter school day. Ex-students pay their respects to the former teachers by visiting them and bringing gifts. Many schools nationwide are now closed on this day to commemorate the efforts of teachers.

Taiwan
In Taiwan (and China), it is celebrated on September 28. The day honors teachers' virtues, pains, and also their contribution not only to their own students but also to the whole society. People often make use of the day to express their gratitude to their teachers, such as paying them a visit or sending them a card. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Confucius, believed to be the model master educator in ancient China.
The festival celebration occurs in the temples of Confucius around the island, known as the "Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius" (祭孔大典). The ceremony begins at 6 AM with drum beats. 54 musicians dress in robes with blue belts, 36 (or 64) dancers dress in yellow with green belts. They are led by Confucius's chief descendant (currently Kung Te-cheng) and followed by ceremonial officers. In addition, local education institutes and civil offices award certain teachers for their excellence and positive influence.

Thailand
January 16 was adopted as Teachers' Day in the Thailand by a resolution of the government on November 21, 1956. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1957.

Vietnam
In Vietnam, Ngày nhà giáo Vietnam (Vietnamese Educators' Day) falls on November 20. This holiday allows students to express their respect to their teacher. Students begin preparing a week in advance, and many classes usually prepare literature and art to welcome teacher’s day, while other students prepare food and flowers for the parties held at their schools. Students usually visit their teachers at their homes to offer flowers and small gifts, or organize trips with their teachers and classmates. Former students also pay respect to their former teachers on this day.