Phase one upgrading works for the Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools (SRBJ) has been completed for three schools.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the three schools were SMK Seri Kota Puteri 2, SK Seri Kota Puteri 4 and SMK Tasek Utara.
“Upgrades were made to facilities such as the school canteen, robotics laboratory, science laboratory and library,” he said.
“Phase two is expected to begin in April and will involve upgrading Internet connectivity, establishing pilot classrooms and upgrading special rooms.”
Aznan said the overall pilot school project had been allocated RM54mil.
“Of this, RM31.22mil is for the first phase and RM22.78mil for the second phase.
“This allocation covers infrastructure upgrades as well as the implementation of high-impact educational modules designed to benefit students and school communities.”
Aznan said the SRBJ initiative was anchored on four main pillars.
“These include mastery of the English language without sidelining Bahasa Melayu, strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills, character development and students’ employability and the introduction of competency-based assessments aligned with international standards and in line with the Education Ministry’s policies.
“These schools are not merely about improving physical infrastructure; they are designed to create a holistic and continuous education ecosystem from early childhood through to the workforce.”
Aznan said the state government was also refining plans to introduce Tadika Rintis Bangsa Johor.
“This will be done in collaboration with the Johor education department, Community Development Department (Kemas) kindergartens and Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, which will serve as a feeder system to the existing SRBJ schools.”
To enhance teachers’ competencies, he said several initiatives were being planned.
“These include identifying outstanding STEM and English teachers in the state and implementing professional development programmes in collaboration with Petronas Foundation as well as the Inspired Leadership Programme in partnership with Ivy League universities and Singapore’s education ministry.”
For students, Aznan said emphasis would be placed on screening for Year One and Form One admissions beginning in 2027.
“Screening will be conducted through face-to-face interviews, with assessments covering academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, character and overall readiness.
“This approach ensures that selected students are truly prepared to benefit from the SRBJ ecosystem.
“We hope that these students will one day perform on par with those from fully residential schools and Mara Junior Science Colleges.”
He said the state government had assured that the pilot schools implementation did not contradict policies of the ministry.
“Several discussions have been held with the Education Minister and Education director-general.
“The working paper has also been submitted to the ministry and has received constructive feedback and support.
“All implementations are guided by existing ministry policies and carried out in phases with careful planning,” he added.
Aznan said the pilot school initiative reflected Johor government’s strong commitment to ensuring students have access to holistic, high-quality and world-class education.
“The state aspires for SRBJ to be among the top 20 schools in Malaysia for English and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects by 2031.”
