3 days ago
Sagah: No need to set school-leaving age at 16, focus should be on lifelong learning
Sagah speaks at the press conference.
KUCHING (Aug 6): Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn has voiced his disagreement with former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's proposal for students to complete secondary school by the age of 16 to enable them to enter the workforce by 21.
Speaking at a press conference after officiating the 8th Technology & Innovation International Conference (Techon) 2025 at a hotel here today, Sagah said the proposal was unnecessary and that the focus should instead be on lifelong learning.
'There's no need for that. We are promoting lifelong learning, not stopping at 16. Why should it be 16 years old? No need to talk about that — just talk about lifelong learning,' he said when asked to comment on Rafizi's remarks during the recent debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Sagah pointed out that continuous upskilling and learning were more relevant in today's rapidly evolving industries.
'We encourage people to go and learn to upskill themselves. If last time I knew how to do rubber tapping, now I have to know how to manufacture the machine that can make it even faster, so that I don't need to go and get my hands dirty anymore,' he said.
'They (Rafizi) can say whatever they like,' he added.
Rafizi had suggested during the 13MP debate in Parliament that the government consider structural reforms to the education system, allowing students to finish school earlier and join the workforce by 21, citing the need to manage challenges posed by an ageing population.
On the event, Sagah said events such as Techon 2025 are vital platforms for bringing together experts from various disciplines to discuss the ethical and responsible use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to align innovation with sustainability goals.
He added that the conference, themed 'AI, TVET, and Renewable Energy: Driving a Sustainable Future through the Sustainable Development Goals', was organised by Politeknik Mukah with support from various agencies and associations.
'It is an international event involving institutions from Indonesia, Japan, Morocco, and India, as well as local institutions like Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM).
'Industry players and academia are also contributing their ideas, which they will deliberate during the conference,' he said. age lead rafizi ramli Roland Sagah secondary school
