Putrajaya: The National Education Blueprint (RPN) 2026-2035, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today, outlines wide-ranging reforms across the education system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the plan is jointly led by the Higher Education Ministry through the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035 and the Education Ministry through the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035. Key highlights include mandatory teaching of Bahasa Melayu and History in all schools, including community religious, international, and private institutions, to strengthen national identity.
A new Learning Metrics system will be introduced, centrally administered by the Examinations Board, for Year Four pupils from 2026 and Form Three students from 2027. Additionally, from 2027, preschool will commence at age five and Year One at age six, contingent upon parental and student readiness.
The blueprint allocates RM100 million for the nationwide upgrading of teachers' rooms and designates five primary and five secondary schools in each district as 'Inspiration Schools'. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will be introduced at primary and secondary levels under the 2027 school curriculum.
Furthermore, the Higher Education Ministry will fully take over pre-university education, including Form Six and matriculation programmes, starting this year. General studies covering the Federal Constitution and Malaysian history will be included in public and private university curricula.
Students achieving a CGPA of 4.0 in STPM, matriculation, and foundation programmes will be guaranteed places in public universities. The quota for fully funded or scholarship recipients under PTPTN will increase from 5,800 to 10,000 students from hardcore poor households. Additionally, free education will be provided for 3,000 students with disabilities at public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges.
The blueprint also includes the provision of 5,000 additional student accommodation places through collaboration between universities and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).