Latest news with #MalaysiaEducationBlueprint


The Star
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
From brain drain to brain gain
Zambry: Overseas experience can benefit country MALAYSIA can benefit from young talents going abroad to gain knowledge and experience – if we can get them to return and contribute to nation-building. While acknowledging that the loss of talent is a long-standing issue in the country, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir believes it can be turned into a positive. 'We can't stop people from leaving for greener pastures, (so) we have to look at it (brain drain) differently. 'We're trying to approach things from another perspective – from brain drain to brain gain. 'Meaning, let those who study abroad get experience there, and after a while, encourage them to come back,' he said, adding that one of the main reasons talent leave is the higher salaries offered abroad. Speaking at the 'In Person With Doc Zam' Q&A session at Universiti Malaya (UM) on July 17, he said every ministry must work together to address the issue. Initiatives like Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), he added, can help bring Malaysian professionals home. Zambry also addressed the broader challenges facing graduates post-Covid-19. 'It is not just post-pandemic; it's also the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and the new digital economy. 'For example, at the World Economic Forum last January, it was predicted that while about 79 million new jobs will be created, some 40 million existing jobs will disappear,' he said. To tackle this, the ministry is focusing on preparing students for new and emerging industries through the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2025–2035. 'We're prioritising science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and encouraging students to pursue science and technology. '(But) students should not be ashamed of studying fields like agriculture, because food security is a first priority for all civilisations,' he said, adding that there is a surge in interest in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Last year, there were 140,000 enrolments in TVET; this year, the number has jumped to 200,000, he shared. Learning without walls The approach to higher education is undergoing major changes, with a focus on application-based learning and real industry experience, Zambry said. 'We're moving towards a learning model where students are not confined to the campus all the time. It could be two years on campus, and another two years in industry. 'This is a new model that is more realistic and high-impact,' he said, adding that this approach aligns with the increasingly dynamic and complex job market. Students can no longer rely solely on traditional lectures particularly with the rise of the digital economy, he said, adding that they must be bold enough to ask questions, challenge ideas, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Citing Japan's Kosen institution system, he said it is renowned for producing engineers through a technical education approach that balances professional competence with social responsibility. 'What is the ultimate goal for humans? We work on this Earth. And who lives on this Earth? People. So, who does an engineer serve? Society. That is another dimension of an engineer,' he said. The event, which was live-streamed, saw over 3,000 foundation students from UM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara in attendance. During the session, Zambry fielded questions on student involvement in education policy, freedom of expression, youth political awareness, and quotas in critical fields such as medicine. He reminded students to stay vigilant about fake information, especially false content produced by AI. 'Nowadays, AI can create images that look very real. But when you check, the person might not even exist. 'That's why we need to have a critical mind. When you see something, ask first – is this true?' he stressed. Also present were Higher Education secretary-general Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim, director-general Prof Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman, and UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman.


Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Fadhlina: Teacher shortage no longer an issue after major recruitment overhaul
Fadhlina says the reforms not only increased the number of teachers but also enhanced the quality and suitability of those assigned to schools. – Bernama photo BANGI (July 3): Reforms to the teacher recruitment system implemented by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in collaboration with the Education Services Commission (SPP) have successfully addressed the teacher shortage in the country. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the reforms not only increased the number of teachers but also enhanced the quality and suitability of those assigned to schools. 'For the first time in the government's history, we, together with the SPP, have implemented reforms to ensure that there are no longer any issues related to teacher shortages in Malaysia. 'We have put an end to it by ensuring that the shortage is addressed through various mechanisms, particularly by ensuring that the teachers we deploy are of quality and capable of meeting the needs of our students,' she said at the 15th convocation of Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG) here today. In another development, Fadhlina said the Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036 plan will involve the introduction of a curriculum that focuses more on values-based education, character building and the development of student personality, in line with the country's future needs. She emphasised that the implementation of the new curriculum would require active participation from both new and existing teachers, especially IPG graduates, to take on a more holistic role as mentors in shaping student character. 'A good classroom is not created through rules. A good classroom is created through relationships, expectations and appreciation. 'This is the time for our (IPG graduates) to be part of the reform force — the heartbeat of the education reform we are implementing,' she added. Fadhlina said the ministry also prioritises the well-being of teachers in implementing any educational reform. 'We are indeed taking several important steps to safeguard teachers' mental health…in any situation, we must focus on their well-being by implementing various support systems, particularly efforts to reduce their workload,' she said. The Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036 is a proposed policy currently being drafted to reshape the national education system for the next 10 years, replacing the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, which ends this year. – Bernama education Fadhlina Sidek MOE plan reform shortages teachers


The Sun
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MOE and SPP reforms solve teacher shortage in Malaysia
BANGI: Reforms in teacher recruitment by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Education Services Commission (SPP) have effectively resolved Malaysia's teacher shortage. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek highlighted that the changes not only increased teacher numbers but also improved the quality and suitability of educators placed in schools. 'For the first time in the government's history, we, together with the SPP, have implemented reforms to ensure that there are no longer any issues related to teacher shortages in Malaysia,' she said during the 15th convocation of Institutes of Teacher Education (IPG). Fadhlina added that the reforms included multiple mechanisms to ensure qualified teachers meet student needs. She also introduced the Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036 plan, which will shift focus towards values-based education, character development, and student personality growth. The new curriculum will require active participation from both new and experienced teachers, particularly IPG graduates, who will play a key role as mentors. 'A good classroom is not created through rules. A good classroom is created through relationships, expectations and appreciation,' she said. - BERNAMA The minister stressed that teacher well-being remains a priority, with measures in place to support mental health and reduce workloads. The Future of Malaysian Education plan aims to reshape the national education system for the next decade, replacing the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.


New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Form 6 a competitive pathway, not 'second-class', says Fadhlina
NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry remains committed to making Form 6 one of the top choices for students pursuing studies after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the rebranding of Form 6 is a strategic effort aligned with the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, aimed at strengthening a post-secondary pathway that is inclusive and competitive. "Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is not a second-class pathway. "In fact, it is on par with international programmes such as Cambridge and is recognised by more than 2,000 universities worldwide. "This is our commitment to ensuring that every Malaysian child has access to high-quality, high-impact education that can take them to the global stage," she said at the launch of the sponsorship programme. To ensure continuity and equitable access to education, the government is also extending the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) to Form 6 students starting in 2025, she said. She said more than 100,000 Form 6 students have benefited from this initiative, with a total allocation of RM15 million. "In the same spirit, we warmly welcome the STPM Student Scholarship Programme initiative by Farm Fresh Bhd, a form of corporate social responsibility that genuinely addresses the current needs of our Form 6 students." The STPM Student Scholarship Programme targets Form 6 students from low-income B40 families, providing cash assistance of RM100 per month from May to December 2025. A total of 500 students from 10 states in Peninsular Malaysia have been identified as initial recipients. Fadhlina said between 70 and 80 per cent of the selected students are from the B40 group. "I have been informed that this programme will continue until 2029, with a total estimated expenditure reaching RM2.8 million. "This is a significant commitment that we truly appreciate and welcome," she added.


The Star
30-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Vital to invest in professional growth of teachers
IN an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, one of the most significant challenges facing educational systems worldwide is ensuring the quality of teaching. But while the Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025) sets ambitious goals for transforming the country's educational landscape, the focus has predominantly been on student achievement, infrastructure and access.