BE optimistic about our education system, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Ministry has, since last year, been working to improve the country’s teaching and learning system with the introduction of various measures, starting with the setting up of special committees to immediately examine issues and implement reforms in a “proactive and progressive manner”, she said.
“We should remain optimistic about our education system,” the Education Minister told reporters after delivering a lecture at the Distinguished Lecture Series on Youth Well-being at Universiti Putra Malaysia on May 2.
Citing the preschool committee as an example, Fadhlina said the ministry has implemented preschool expansion.
“2023 and 2024 are the years of large-scale preschool expansion in institutions under the ministry.
“We are also focusing on curriculum intervention, cultivation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, digital education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as well as upholding the Malay language and strengthening the English language (MBMMBI),” she said.
Apart from the World Bank report, the Malaysia Education Blueprint (MEB) 2013-2025 yearly report released by the ministry must be considered, Fadhlina stressed.
“The (MEB) report highlights the successes, progress and issues we face,” she said, adding that any report should be carefully examined and addressed with progressive action.
In a statement released on April 30, the ministry said the key areas discussed in the World Bank report, such as the quality and accessibility of preschool education, student competency and the enhancement of teacher professionalism, are central to the ministry’s focus.
“The ministry is currently implementing various important initiatives to reform national education. These include the restructuring of the preschool system, (introducing) the 2027 School Curriculum and (implementing) curriculum interventions to address dropout,” it said.
It added that focus will be given to the enhancement of teacher professionalism.
“Various programmes are offered to improve the competence and professionalism of teachers in service.
“Recently, the ministry introduced the Learning Management System (SiPP) platform to support teachers’ digital competence,” it said.
