Applying High-Level Thinking Skills (KBAT) in the teaching and learning process in schools is the right effort by the government to create a generate that is excellent and holistic.

Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said these skills needed to be introduced from the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) level to prepare the young to become strong and be able to face any challenges. He said attention should then be drawn to the bigger picture where Malaysians are open to global competition.

"This competition is not getting any easier, but becoming harder. There are many challenges and obstacles which must be faced for our country to continue progressing, so we need to prepare the (next) generation to be able to think at a high level and transform challenges into opportunities," he said.

Azlan was speaking at the launch of the 12th Biennial General Assembly of the Pensioners Association of Malaysian Educational Service Officers (PPPPPM) here, last night. - BERNAMA