'Vertical school' development guidelines finalised
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the guidelines would be presented to the cabinet soon.
He said the ministry took into account several factors, including...
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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Proposal for single university entrance exam needs careful consideration, says Education Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal for a single university entrance exam for STPM, Matriculation, and Foundation students applying to public universities requires careful consideration, says Fadhlina Sidek. In a parliamentary written reply, the Education Minister said the proposal to implement a single standardised national examination for all these pathways does indeed have the potential to streamline the IPTA admission system. "However, its implementation requires very careful consideration as it involves multiple ministries, differing academic structures, and varied assessment methods. "As such, any changes must undergo in-depth study and comprehensive evaluation to remain aligned with the Education Ministry's commitment to providing fair and quality access to education for all students, regardless of their background," she said in reply to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) who asked whether a single common public examination can be implemented for all STPM, matriculation, and foundation programmes when applying for places in public universities (IPTA) instead of the current practice of having three different examinations, in order to establish a more accurate and consistent basis for performance comparison aligned with excellence standards. Fadhlina said the implementation of the admission system to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) is an important aspect in assessing students' potential holistically, taking into account a balance between academic excellence and holistic development. "Various educational pathways such as STPM, STAM, Foundation and Matriculation Programmes have been established to provide broader options for SPM leavers, in line with their individual inclinations and potential. "Each of these pathways has its own structure and curriculum to cater to the diverse needs of students. "Therefore, the assessment approaches used also differ, in accordance with the objectives and direction of the respective programs," said the Education Minister.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Single university entrance exam requires careful study, says Education Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of a single uniform examination for all pre-university pathways, including STPM, Matriculation, and Foundation programmes, requires careful consideration. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said various education pathways such as STPM, STAM, Foundation Programmes, and Matriculation Programmes have been established to provide wider choices for SPM leavers according to their interests and potential. "The implementation of the admission system to public universities is an important aspect in assessing students' potential comprehensively, taking into account the balance between academic excellence and holistic development. "Each of these pathways has its study structure and curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students. "Therefore, the assessment approaches used are also different, in line with the objectives and direction of the respective programmes," she said in a written reply to Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan). Lim had asked Fadhlina whether a single common examination could be implemented for all students of STPM, Matriculation, and Foundation programmes applying for places at public universities, instead of the current practice of three different examinations, to establish a consistent and accurate basis for comparing performance aligned with excellence standards. Fadhlina said the proposal to implement a single uniform examination for all these pathways indeed has the potential to streamline the admission system to public universities. "Any changes must go through in-depth studies and comprehensive evaluations to ensure alignment with the Education Ministry's commitment to provide fair and quality educational access to all students, regardless of their background," she said. On Nov 11, last year, it was reported that the Education Ministry was reviewing a proposal to introduce a unified entrance examination for matriculation and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) graduates seeking admission to public universities. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh had said that the move reflected the ministry's commitment to providing students with a clear and streamlined pathway to pursue higher education at public institutions. However, he said that no final decision had yet been made on the proposal.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Clearer SOPs and accountability needed to combat bullying
KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers from both sides of the divide want the government to outline concrete steps to address the issue of bullying following the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. During the 13th Malaysia Plan debates, Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) wanted to know what were the standard operating procedures and what type of enforcement was conducted in schools, especially at boarding schools, to curb bullying. She also asked the Education Ministry to explain the type of punishment that will be imposed on bullies, regardless of their background. Siti Zailah, who was former Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister, questioned the strategies that will be taken by the government to restore parents' confidence in the education system on the safety in schools and hostels. 'We are now witnessing a silent rejection of the boarding school system by parents who no longer trust the safety of their children in these institutions,' she said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa) said while he welcomed the government's commitment for a transparent probe, the fundamental issue of the case involved the safety of school children. 'I hope the Education Minister will not be defensive in this matter. The issue of bullying has now gained significant national attention. 'If it requires us to make a shift in our education system, then we must be willing to do so to ensure the welfare of our children is guaranteed. 'Matters such as student development or academic achievement cannot be our focus if we cannot even guarantee the basic safety in schools,' he added. Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) proposed that the Education Ministry hire military veterans as wardens in schools and boarding schools. 'Military veterans still carry themselves with discipline in how they work, interact and socialise. 'These traits are deeply ingrained from their military upbringing. 'Many still have children to support and have financial needs after retirement. If the government doesn't assist them, they are often left in a difficult position. 'Therefore, we propose that the Education Ministry consider hiring military veterans as wardens in school hostels, to prevent bullying incidents, which are increasingly common in many schools today,' he said. Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) suggested conducting internal audits and installing CCTVs in schools, urging the allocation of a budget for these measures to ensure students' safety. Zara Qairina was found unconscious near a drain close to her hostel at a religious school in Papar on July 16. She subsequently died from injuries the next day. Her body was exhumed on Saturday for a post-mortem ordered by the Attorney General's Chambers as part of further investigations into her death. Her remains were reburied 30 hours after the post-mortem. With the completion of the post-mortem, Sabah police have yet to indicate the next course of their investigations.
