I learned from engaging conversations with my eldest grand-daughter, Iffah Faizah binti Haji Mohd. Faiz, who had enrolled in one of the residential schools for junior secondary education who returned home to celebrate Eid al-Adha with the family that primarily her school followed Ministry of Education's Integrated Secondary School Curriculum (KBSM) with additional entrepreneurial skills. Its teaching deliberable emphasised academic excellence alongside various co-curricular activities and character development programs. (https://www.moe.gov.my)
Iffah said, “Evidently, our school prioritise facilities that support science and technology education, often allocating resources towards enhancing showcase facilities rather than lavish hostel provisions. I interact well with classmates who come from all over the country.”
I am happy with the result of her Formatic 1 Examination, that Iffah had a good starter and managed to excel as top three in Form 1. I shared with her the results in the OECD's (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) latest global test of 15-year-olds in math, science & reading. The test, globally known as PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) to measure which countries are best preparing their students for the future development to a wide range of trade and economy. (https://www.oecd.org)
I revealed to Iffah & her siblings that “In 2024, Asian countries came out on top in the PISA, China & Singapore ranked first & second, respectively, in math, science, and reading. Elsewhere, Estonia is noteworthy for its performance, ranking highly in all three subjects.”
Education standards keep on increasing and even in Malaysia, SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education), a national examination taken by students at the end of secondary education, typically Form 5; MOE has decided that students who scored A- are not considered to have attained an A, and only A+ and A are accepted for the MOE's Matriculation (pre-university) entry requirements. (thestar.com.my)
As a management educator & HRD practitioner, I realised SPM is the fundamental qualification required not only for further education but also skills-based training programs. Top grade SPM gurantees youth higher education & career path but sustainable in their future.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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