THE Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035 and the 2027 school curriculum are in the process of being finalised, says the Education Ministry.
Both, it said, are crucial in driving the country’s education system towards excellence.
Responding to the recently released Ipsos Education Monitor 2025 on Malaysia (see infographic), the ministry said it took note of the public’s perception towards the country’s education system and welcomes all recommendations to improve its quality.
Among the main issues highlighted in the report are the inequitable access to education, the safe use of technology and mental health, the ministry said in a press release dated Sept 21.
“The ministry recently finalised the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025 to make secondary education compulsory, which will arrest dropout rates and improve access to education for all students.
“This is a significant step towards a better future for Malaysia’s children,” it said, adding that the ongoing educational reforms will continue to be strengthened through the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), focusing on inclusive and sustainable education.
This includes increasing access to quality education through the construction of new schools and upgrading educational infrastructure.
RMK13, said the ministry, also focuses on preschool education, Bahasa Malaysia and English proficiency, strengthening of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), as well as digital literacy, including artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
“Safe technology use and mental health are indeed priorities for the ministry.
“The Digital Education Policy emphasises comprehensive, creative, innovative, safe, responsible and ethical use of technology.
“And to address mental health issues, early detection through the ‘Healthy Mind Screening’ and intervention programmes is implemented across all educational institutions nationwide.”
Is our education system prepared for challenges facing its youth?
> Public confidence in education is weak worldwide – and Malaysia is no exception. Fewer than half rate the system positively – among the lowest across markets.
> Malaysia placed 9th out of 30 countries for education satisfaction, with 44% of respondents describing the quality of education as “good” and 26% saying it is “poor”. The remaining 29% said it is “neither good nor poor”.
> Unequal access, poor infrastructure and limited technology are the key barriers, placing Malaysia closer to regional peers than to mature markets. This calls into question the RMK13 proposal to lower primary school entry age to six years old. The real priority is equal access, modern infrastructure and a safe digital environment.
> Technology is a double-edged sword. Only one in four Malaysians believe it will improve education, echoing global doubts. Seven in 10 support banning social media for under-14s, while parents remain split on smartphones, often seen as a safety lifeline.
> Malaysians are more open to AI in schools, aligning with emerging markets while mature economies remain cautious. The government’s move to ban smartphones in schools for under-13s matches public sentiment. But devices are only part of the story – the bigger risk is content, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must do more to safeguard children online.
> Malaysians see mental health as the top challenge facing the young generation – ahead of bullying and digital pressures, and at far higher levels than the global average.
> Malaysia’s education reform must focus on three priorities: equal access, safe technology and stronger mental health support. Only then can the Education Ministry, MCMC and NGOs build resilience and opportunity for the next generation.
Source: Ipsos Malaysian Education Monitor 2025
