Aznan said the initiative, set to be rolled out across primary and secondary schools, will integrate daily classroom routines with periodic activities such as mini projects and workshops, culminating in broader community-based efforts.
These include service-learning programmes and heritage preservation projects designed to foster empathy, civic responsibility and cultural appreciation among students, he told FMT.
Aznan explained that students will take part in daily value-based activities such as “empathy circles” — interactive sessions that use role play and simulations to address real-life challenges and cultivate emotional awareness.
“This will be conducted in classrooms for up to 10 minutes each day to remind students of core moral values and behaviour,” said Aznan. Such activities will allow students to better understand, respect and appreciate the perspectives of others, he said.
Students will also participate in mini projects on either a weekly or monthly basis to cultivate key traits such as self-management, courtesy and digital literacy.
One such programme is a student-led initiative to promote zero tolerance for bullying and encourage a culture of kindness and mutual respect in schools.
“Through this initiative, students are nurtured to engage in respectful interactions and develop constructive conflict resolution skills,” added Aznan.
At a broader level, schools will carry out community service activities centred on themes such as patriotism and volunteerism.
Aznan also said tools such as classroom or school-based assessments, including metrics and self-reflection exercises to measure empathy and emotional control, will allow teachers to consistently monitor students’ personal growth.
Teachers will also receive comprehensive training and guidance from district education offices to ensure the module is implemented properly.
“This transforms anti-bullying from being a disciplinary issue into a whole-school character culture — supported by teachers, counsellors, and peers,” said Aznan.
On Monday, Aznan announced that all schools in the state will incorporate anti-bullying lessons into its Johor Student Character (KrMJ) module.
Introduced by the state education department in 2017, the module serves as a guide to empower students’ character based on 10 core values, including patriotism, leadership and self-esteem.
The state’s initiative is in line with the education ministry’s introduction of Character Education, a new core subject under the 2027 national curriculum.
These efforts are aimed at addressing the recent surge in school-related violent crimes, including a fatal stabbing, sexual assaults and widespread bullying.