Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has placed the 'small voices' of teachers, students, and school communities at the heart of its education reform efforts, making them the foundation for the development of the New Education Curriculum. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek emphasized that reforms in schools serve as a medium to translate these small voices into meaningful action, ensuring that every education initiative does not merely remain a discourse on paper.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina stated that student development becomes meaningful when the voices of students and teachers are truly listened to, as that is where the pulse of education lies. In line with this approach, the New Education Curriculum will be implemented in stages beginning this year, with the 2026 Preschool Curriculum serving as the initial phase. The curriculum emphasizes character development, self-management, an interest in reading, integrated learning, and early exposure to digital technology, while ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs.
Efforts to strengthen preschool education include upgrading facilities, providing smart televisions, and expanding the 'Jom Baca Bersama' (Let's Read Together) programme to homes. To further expand access, 350 additional preschool classes are targeted this year, including in eight matriculation colleges, followed by another 150 classes in 2027. Additionally, the government has allocated RM125 million for the renovation and maintenance of existing classes.
Fadhlina also mentioned a new grading system for school governance, to be implemented starting this year. This system involves school administrators and considers factors such as student enrolment, dormitory occupancy, and education level, ensuring administrators have the qualifications and authority needed to carry out their responsibilities effectively. The new grading system addresses several key demands of the teachers' union, including enabling ordinary academic teachers with Grade DG12 to be appointed as senior assistant teachers in primary schools and providing greater flexibility in changing work locations.
The MOE has identified 14 Quick Win initiatives under the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2026-2035 to address critical issues, including overcrowded schools, dilapidated infrastructure, special education, and the well-being of teachers and students. Initiatives include the operation of 17 new schools this year, upgrading 50 dilapidated schools, and providing computer laboratory equipment to 1,801 schools.
On inclusive education, 200 new special education classes will be opened in phases, alongside the expansion of the Comprehensive Special Model School 11 (K11) programme and the operation of the Special Education Sports School in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan. To support teachers and administrators, 1,470 teaching assistants will be deployed, while 600 full-time hostel wardens under the Malaysia Short-Term Employment Program (MySTEP) will be appointed starting March.
In terms of educational technology, 800 schools will implement the artificial intelligence (AI)-Powered Classroom programme, and the AI-based DELIMa 3.0 learning platform will be rolled out starting this month. For pre-university students, MOE has, for the first time, channeled Early Schooling Assistance of RM150 on a one-off basis to 99,678 Form Six students to provide early support for their higher education studies.
Fadhlina called on the entire education ecosystem, including teachers, administrators, parents, and corporate players, to collectively shoulder the responsibility of building the future of national education. She emphasized that true success in education is not just measured by global achievements, but by nurturing children into civilised and resilient individuals, fulfilling the mandate of educators and nation builders.