The teaching career cannot be underestimated by society as it is now almost at par with other professions such as the medical profession, said Yayasan Guru Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom.

He said this was because those wanting to enter the teaching profession must go through rigorous screening and score a good Cumulative Grade Point Average, as well as possessing physical and mental endurance.

"Eachyear morethan 100,000 youths apply to become teachers, but not more than 10,000 people will be selected to continue their studies in this field at higher learning institutions as well as at the Malaysian Institute of Teachers Education.

"Even in western countries, there are some kindergarten and primary school teachers who are PhD holders...this is seen able to improve the teaching quality," he said.

He said this when speaking as a guest in the "Dalam Radar"programmeofBernama Radio, Friday.