KARAMAH Insaniah, or human dignity, will be the focus of the Education Ministry.
By emphasising soft skills to inculcate good manners, good morals and integrity among students, the ministry aspires to produce “Anak yang Baik Lagi Cerdik (ABC)” (children who are good and smart), said its minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Fostering positive values, attitudes and behaviours is important for building the good character of holistic students in transforming our education sector, said Fadhlina, who is also the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco president.The national education system, she said, would promote a culture of peace, nonviolence, and respect for human rights.
“My hope is to cultivate a harmonious educational ecosystem,” she said in a video message on Jan 24 to mark the International Day of Education 2023 (pic).
She added that the ministry was working towards creating a more equitable, inclusive, relevant and resilient educational system.
The ministry, she said, was looking at multisectoral investments focused on early learning and childhood development.
“Education must start early.
“We will prioritise evidence collection, predictive data analysis on student learning loss, and early warning data systems derived from well-coordinated communication among all stakeholders and schools nationwide, to develop and implement targeted interventions and reduce the possibility of students dropping out.
“Poverty, which has a direct impact on children’s education, will also be addressed,” she said, adding that the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which was introduced in 2013, was in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Education was an inalienable human right and it was vital for a sustainable, just and harmonious society, she said, adding that the ministry would continue to strengthen the country’s digital education policy framework.
ICT infostructure and infrastructure at all schools would be upgraded and developed but the ministry, she noted, was mindful of the digital divide, especially among vulnerable students such as children from disadvantaged and low-income families, as well as those living in remote areas.
Their learning, she said, must be well facilitated to prevent such students from being left behind.
“We also realised that success in digital learning must be supported by teachers with IT knowledge and skills.
“Teachers and students must be equipped with digital literacy and competencies to better prepare them for the future.
“Providing teachers with professional support and focusing on their welfare can enhance their ability to teach,” she said, adding that collaborations with technology service providers and international bodies to enhance digital competency was crucial.
