Swapping the classroom for community cheer, SJKC Chong Hwa educators letting their hair down at the McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru celebration. “AS teachers, we never stop thinking. We eat, we sleep and we constantly think about what to do tomorrow and how to make our students understand.” This candid admission by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Sentul science teacher Kartika Abd Kahar highlights a reality often overlooked by the public. There is a common misconception that a teacher’s workday ends when the final school bell rings. In reality, the hours spent in the classroom are just a fraction of their true commitment. Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chiao Nan co-curricular activities vice principal Dave Lai agrees, noting that teaching is practically a 24-hour job. “Many think teachers have it easy, clocking in at 7.30am and leaving by 1.30pm. “But behind the scenes, there is a lot of follow-up work. Beyond preparing lessons, teachers have a lot of administrative ‘homework’ to complete. We are also handling students’ issues after hours, communicating with parents to help solve problems their children face,” he said. Kartika and Lai are two of the 70 teachers who were celebrated and honoured for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment at McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru, Kuala Lumpur. The event was part of McDonald’s Malaysia’s nationwide Teacher’s Day initiative, which began earlier this month with local activations in Penang before expanding across the country. Throughout May, a total of 300 McDonald’s restaurants are being used as community touchpoints, where teachers from nearby schools are invited and treated to meals in appreciation of their contributions. The campaign is expected to reach thousands of educators nationwide across hundreds of schools, reinforcing McDonald’s Malaysia’s recognition of teachers’ sacrifices and their role in shaping future generations. A moment away from lesson plans and grading: SJKC Chiao Nan educators enjoying a well-deserved breather during the Teachers’ Day celebration. For Lai, the celebration provided a much-needed mental break from the demands of the profession. “Besides allowing teachers to step away and not think about work for a while, we can enjoy this time together with our colleagues and other like-minded teachers. It is a really great opportunity,” he said. Echoing this, SMK Bandar Baru Sentul science teacher Renukha Devi Puspanathan said such recognition is deeply meaningful. “Most of the time, we are focused on our students. So, when someone organises an event for us, we are really touched,” she shared. Beyond celebrations, McDonald’s Malaysia also contributed RM5,000 to selected schools to support the refurbishment and improvement of staffrooms and facilities. Lai said the contribution would be especially helpful as his school is currently working to secure funds to upgrade its facilities. A decade of gratitude This year marks the 10th year McDonald’s Malaysia has celebrated Teachers’ Day as part of its ongoing community engagement initiatives. (From left) Azmir, SJKC Chiao Nan headmistress Wong Ai Ling, SJKC Chong Hwa student affairs senior assistant Song Sock Kian, Shamsidar and McDonald’s Malaysia senior vice president and chief impact officer Melati Abdul Hai with teachers at the McDonald’s Teacher’s Day celebration in Titiwangsa. McDonald’s Malaysia also presented RM5,000 each to SJKC Chiao Nan and SJKC Chong Hwa to help upgrade their teachers’ workspaces. Since its inception in 2017, the programme has been part of Program Komuniti @ McDonald’s, which delivers more than 10,000 community activities annually, ranging from supporting families in need to recognising frontliners and educators. “Teachers play a fundamental role in shaping individuals and strengthening communities, with an impact that extends well beyond the classroom,” said McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar. “For ten remarkable years, our Teachers’ Day initiative has grown into a nationwide effort that allows us to engage schools directly and deliver appreciation where it matters most. We believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure these pivotal figures feel truly valued and celebrated.” McDonald’s Malaysia corporate communications senior director Shamsidar Yahya said the initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to being a community partner. She added that McDonald’s restaurants serve not only as dining spaces but also as community hubs where people gather and connect. “Teachers are the heartbeat of every community. We hope this celebration brings them joy and serves as a reminder that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated,” she said. She added that while reaching the 10-year milestone is significant, McDonald’s Malaysia remains committed to continuing the initiative in the years ahead.
