PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is making the “small voices” of teachers, pupils and school communities the main pillar of education reform, and the basis for developing the New Education Curriculum, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said school reform is a medium for translating these quiet voices into meaningful action, to ensure that every education initiative does not remain merely discourse on paper.
“Pupil development only has meaning when we truly listen to the voices of pupils and teachers, because that is where the pulse of education lies,” she said when delivering her New Year message to ministry staff on Friday (Jan 9).
In line with this approach, she said the New Education Curriculum will be implemented in stages starting this year, with the 2026 Preschool Curriculum as the first step.
Fadhlina said the curriculum places emphasis on character building, self-management, an interest in reading, integrated learning and early exposure to digital technology, while also ensuring that pupils with special needs have a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Commenting on efforts to strengthen preschool education, she said facilities will be upgraded, including the provision of smart televisions and the expansion of the Read Together session programme to homes.
To widen access, 350 additional preschool classes are targeted this year, including at eight matriculation colleges, followed by another 150 classes in 2027. The government has also allocated RM125mil for repair works and maintenance of existing classes.
Touching on school governance, Fadhlina said a new grading system will be implemented from today, involving the upgrading of school administrators to graduate status, taking into account workload based on pupil enrolment, boarding school residents and education level.
“This is to ensure administrators have the qualifications and authority needed to carry out their responsibilities more effectively,” she said.
She added that the new grading system also meets several key demands from teachers’ unions, including enabling Ordinary Academic Teachers (GAB) in Grade DG12 to be appointed as Senior Assistants (GPK) in primary schools, and providing flexibility for transfers.
In other developments, Fadhlina said the Ministry has identified 14 Immediate Initiatives (Quick Wins) under the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026–2035 to address critical issues including overcrowded schools, dilapidated schools, special education, and the wellbeing of teachers and pupils.
Among the initiatives are the opening of 17 new schools this year, the upgrading of 50 dilapidated schools, and the provision of computer laboratory equipment to 1,801 schools.
On inclusive education, she said 200 new Special Education classes will be opened in phases, in addition to the expansion of the K11 Comprehensive Special Model School Programme and the operation of the Special Education Malaysia Sports School in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan.
To support teachers and administrators, 1,470 teaching assistants will be placed, while 600 MyStep hostel warden assistants will be appointed starting this March.
On education technology, Fadhlina said 800 schools will implement the AI-Powered Classroom Programme, while the AI-based DELIMa 3.0 learning platform will be used starting this month.
On pre-university students, she said the Ministry is, for the first time, providing a one-off Early Schooling Assistance of RM150 to 99,678 Form Six students, as recognition of their role and as early support to help them continue their studies to a higher level.
Fadhlina called on the entire education ecosystem — including teachers, administrators, parents and the corporate sector — to share the responsibility of building the future of the nation’s education.
“Remember, the true success of education is not measured solely by global achievements, but when our children grow into courteous and resilient individuals …. When that happens, only then will we truly have fulfilled our trust as educators and nation-builders,” she said. - Bernama
