M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
A chorus of voices is rising across Malaysia, demanding a revamp of the education system.
In Johor, the Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, called for the state to take the lead and revise its school curriculum if national efforts stall. “If the quality of education cannot be achieved at the national level, let Johor become the first state to change the syllabus in our schools.”
Citing the importance of education for a developed nation, he emphasised the importance of education’s role in fostering job opportunities and global competitiveness for the next generation.
Our leader's primary goal should be from Rote to Ready: Retooling Malaysia's Education for a Global Stage. It is long overdue to think beyond borders to build g a future-proof education system incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the syllabus.
This call for change found resonance in Sarawak, where Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee announced the extension of English as the medium of instruction to specific science and math subjects in secondary schools. This move underscores the growing sentiment that quality education must transcend political boundaries. Our children's futures depend on their ability to compete internationally.
It’s time to go beyond bureaucracy and redefine the need for English to play a paramount role in Malaysia's Education system.
The debate over language proficiency in education is not new. More than two years ago, a proposal to penalise civil servants who don't use Malay at international levels sparked controversy.
While former Minister Rafidah Aziz warned against such measures, emphasising the importance of English for efficiency and attracting investment, the underlying concern remains: how do we bridge the gap between national pride and practical needs for a globalised world?
It’s time to reform the education system now, said Rafidah following the ‘worrisome’ World Bank report. The failure to address the issues highlighted will cause Malaysia to fall behind in competitiveness and socioeconomic development.
“Training of teachers and educators is extremely important so there are no gaps, and (lessons) align with current and future needs, as well as the demands of the country’s economic sector.”
Rafidah also said the country’s education system must be able to produce a skilled and capable workforce in line with market demands.
Rafidah suggested that the government conduct brainstorming sessions and meetings with experts and stakeholders in the field of education and pedagogy to find ways to address the issues highlighted in the World Bank report, published last Thursday.
The World Bank report said by the time a child in Malaysia is 15 years old, it is “far behind” in reading, science and mathematics compared to Malaysia’s aspirational peers, such as Hong Kong, China, Japan and Singapore.
“This child is also performing below his/her peers in Vietnam, which spends a fraction of what Malaysia spends on education,” it said.
Does the answer lie in striking a balance? While promoting Bahasa Malaysia remains important, prioritising quality education and future-proofing our youth requires a forward-thinking approach.
Malaysia must move beyond rote learning and embrace a system that fosters AI, critical thinking, global communication, and a competitive edge worldwide.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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