KUALA LUMPUR: The long-held belief that boarding schools are the only pathway to success is increasingly being challenged, according to two education experts in Malaysia.
Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong and National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon both agree that public secondary schools are now on par with boarding schools in terms of educational quality.
However, they acknowledge that the prestige associated with institutions such as Malay College Kuala Kangsar and Tunku Kursiah College continues to carry significant weight in society.
Teo, one of the architects of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025, said public schools have become far more competitive, with greater emphasis on holistic development, critical thinking and contemporary skills needed for future challenges.
“Public schools today are far better than what we had 20 to 25 years ago,” he said.
“This is further reinforced by the Future of Malaysian Education 2026-2036 plan, which focuses on wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and relevance of education nationwide.
“Public schools have seen vast improvements, and the Education Ministry continues to work hard to ensure that no student is left behind.”
Teo noted that Parliament earlier this year passed an amendment to the Education Act 1996, extending compulsory education to include secondary schooling up to Form Five.
“This legislative change is expected to reduce dropout rates and strengthen the commitment to quality education for all,” he said.
He also highlighted the introduction of the School Quality Standard (SKPMg2) in 2019, a quality assurance framework that enables schools to assess and improve their performance, particularly in teaching delivery and management.
Under the framework, schools conduct self-assessments and develop improvement plans, which are verified through independent inspections.
Despite these developments, Teo said there was no denying that boarding schools still offer certain advantages.
“Many still view boarding schools as the best way forward. Attending such schools provides opportunities to mix with peers from affluent and influential families, which can help open doors to successful careers,” he said.
“Being a graduate of a reputable boarding school can improve one’s chances of securing a good job.”
Teo added that the disciplined and structured environment of boarding schools often helps students develop a strong sense of responsibility and camaraderie, as they live and learn together almost around the clock.
On Dec 26, Twentytwo13 contributor Irham Zulkernain wrote that boarding schools are great, but not the only way to achieve success.
The article, written by Irham, an alumnus of the boarding school system who is now a university student, sparked discussion among Malaysians, with some arguing that standards in public schools should instead be raised to match those of boarding schools.
Fouzi acknowledged that public schools have improved significantly, but believes boarding schools still provide added advantages.
“While I agree that the quality of education in public schools is much higher today, boarding schools still offer something extra for students,” he said.
“Students who qualify for boarding schools often have a better chance to excel because they are in an environment that fosters discipline, independence and strong support from peers and teachers.”
“The camaraderie developed in boarding schools often lasts a lifetime, and alumni associations frequently lend a helping hand to those in need.”
However, Fouzi cautioned that weaker students could be left behind in public schools due to limited monitoring.
“They are in school for only six to eight hours a day, and sometimes there are simply too many students in each class,” he said.
“Having said that, public schools still have a good track record of producing straight-A students.”
