Our future: Anwar (centre) launching the National Education Plan 2026-2035 on Jan 20. With him are (from left) Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, (from right) Fadhlina and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. - AZMAN GHANI/The Star
TARGETS, quick wins, long-term impact and sustainability, are at the core of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026–2035 (RPM 2026–2035), says the Education Ministry.
At the same time, there is a strong focus on quality, access, equity, resource availability, efficiency and flexibility, said its director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad.
Every programme carried out by the ministry will be guided by the core strategies (see infographic) outlined in the Blueprint, he said.
“It must improve the quality and equity of education for students and be sustainable,” he said.
Among the main goals of the new Blueprint is ensuring the national curriculum remains competitive and the top choice for the rakyat through character building, humane education and integration of technology such as artificial intelligence (AI).
The Blueprint also focuses on improving the quality of technical, vocational education and training (TVET) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning to create better career opportunities.
A crucial point is the role of language, especially Bahasa Malaysia, as a medium for communication and national unity. Mastery of English and other languages are also emphasised.
There will also be a revitalisation of a strong reading culture in schools, educational institutions, families, communities and the digital ecosystem through libraries, quality reading materials and the use of technology.
Purposeful reading, added the ministry, allows students to understand texts in depth, analyse information, evaluate the credibility of sources and form arguments based on knowledge, thus producing competent and responsible thinkers.
Not everything in the Blueprint involves books and texts - the mental and socio-emotional development of students and teachers is also emphasised, while equal access and inclusion in education are prioritised, with attention given to providing learning opportunities for all Malaysian children, including students with special educational needs, Orang Asli, Pribumi and gifted students.
Then there is humane education, which emphasises that learning is not just about gaining knowledge and skills. It is also about building successful individuals who are fair, civilised and giving.
Curriculum, pedagogy and assessment will be used for intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical development, with teachers acting as guides and role models.
The Blueprint also focuses on teachers and ways to fan their passion for teaching through promoting the profession, support for holistic well-being, balanced professional autonomy and clear career paths.
“Their passion is at the core of the education system’s effectiveness because teachers who teach with empathy and guide students holistically are open to innovation and serve as role models for students,” it said.
At the same time, a teacher’s commitment is directly linked to student development through the creation of a positive learning environment, socio-emotional support and the nurturing of a lifelong interest in learning.
Therefore, empathetic institutional leadership and a supportive system are essential to fuel teachers’ passion as the most valuable asset in national education, said the ministry.
Although it is a new Blueprint, there is continuity from the previous plan, which ended last year.
“We will continue whatever has succeeded and what needs fixing or tweaking, we will do as well,” said Mohd Azam.
He added that this Blueprint will not just remain on paper. The ministry, he said, has targets it must achieve, and if it does not, adjustments must be made to ensure the aims are met.
During the launch of the Malaysia Education Plan (which includes the Blueprint) on Jan 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he hopes with the thrusts outlined in the Plan, everyone will strive to do better.
He added that it shows how serious the government is about bringing change and driving transformation in the field of education. He said this was to ensure that, in the next few years, the quality of education will improve and the future of our children will be brighter than it is now.
