Student questions lack of recognition for prestigious international events

Free Malaysia Today

07-06-2025

Arishah Rusydan, portraying a Malawi delegate, emerged as the best delegate at the conference but her achievement has gone unrecognised in Malaysia. (Asia Youth International Model United Nations pic)
PETALING JAYA : A secondary school student has questioned the education ministry's policy of awarding marks for co-curricular activities only for recognised programmes, after failing to receive any credit for participating in an international youth conference.
Arishah Rusydan, 17, said she was denied marks under the Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) despite emerging with the 'Best Delegate' award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The event, which brought together 1,000 participants from 38 countries, was not endorsed by the ministry and therefore did not qualify for PAJSK consideration.
'Imagine winning first place in a prestigious international competition, only to be dismissed because it wasn't endorsed by the ministry,' the SMK Convent (M) Kajang student told FMT.
Arishah said teachers advised her to focus instead on programmes that were 'worth her time' – referring to ministry-approved events.
Under PAJSK, only activities endorsed by the ministry qualify for co-curricular marks, which account for 10% of the merit score used in university admissions and scholarship applications. External certificates, even from rigorous or internationally recognised events, are not accepted.
Arishah pointed out that the policy could discourage students from taking part in global events that help build practical skills and self-confidence.
'The system should allow a process for recognising unendorsed competitions and certificates. It would help validate students' efforts and promote self-driven learning,' she said.
She urged the ministry to review PAJSK guidelines to reflect real-world achievements rather than limiting recognition to a fixed list of approved activities.
'If this strict system continues, students who push beyond its boundaries will remain unrecognised. It disheartens us,' she said.
She said her experience may reflect the frustrations of other students who feel sidelined despite meaningful achievements outside the classroom.
'Let students build real skills, not just chase marks. Recognising our achievements can unlock potential and help us grow – which is what PAJSK was meant to do in the first place,' she said.
Arishah said she contacted the education ministry via email to seek clarification. In reply, the ministry said PAJSK marks are only granted for programmes by external agencies that follow official procedures.
These procedures include submitting an application at least 45 days before the event and obtaining formal recognition – rules the ministry said are in place to protect students and ensure proper oversight.
Participation in programmes under other ministries, such as the higher education ministry, does not automatically qualify one for PAJSK marks.
However, Arishah said it was 'ridiculous' to expect international organisers to be aware of such procedures and apply for recognition when hosting events in multiple countries.
The ministry did not respond to further queries on the matter.