Kedah Teacher Becomes The First Malaysian Selected For CERN

Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib, fondly known as Cikgu Hailmi to his students, is all smiles as he will go down in history as the first Malaysian teacher to be selected for CERN’s 2019 High School Teacher Programme.

The project caters to science tutors all around the globe. It aims to spread the teaching of particle physics in secondary schools.

Hailing from Kedah, Cikgu Hailmi is a science and chemistry tutor at SMK Jerlun, Kedah. He received the good news back in April and is currently in Geneva for a two-week programme.

Speaking to GPS Bestari, a news portal dedicated to teachers, students and the school community, he said – “There will be learning sessions and group performances in the programme. The focus is on particle physics and I have little knowledge in the field because my major is chemistry, so this opportunity is great for me.”

Cikgu Hailmi holding his ID tag.
Source: Facebook/Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib

The Kedah native was selected for his vast knowledge on particle physics. In a video profile, he shares his knowledge on the matter, particularly the complexity of it all.

What is CERN?

CERN is a European organisation that uncovers the wonders of the universe through the intense use of particle accelerator facilities. As a matter of fact, the institution functions at the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.

One of their equipment would be the famous Large Hadron Collider which is the largest and most powerful particle collider.

An image of the famous Large Hadron Collider.
Source: CERN

Since 1954, the foundation has found success discoveries such as the ‘God Particle’ also referred to as Higgs Boson. The particle gives mass to all elementary particles like electrons and protons.

As for advice to other educators out there, Cikgu Hailmi says – “Remember one thing. What we do now, may not see the results immediately. But someday, that’s what will bring forth a brilliant generation in the future.”