‘Small Voices’ At The Core Of National Education Reform - Fadhlina

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- 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 said 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.

“Student development is only meaningful when we truly listen to the voices of students and teachers, because that is where the pulse of education lies,” she said in her New Year’s message to MOE staff last Friday.

In line with this approach, she said the New Education Curriculum will be implemented in stages beginning this year, with the 2026 Preschool Curriculum serving as the initial phase.

Fadhlina said the curriculum places emphasis on character development, self-management, an interest in reading, integrated learning and early exposure to digital technology, while also ensuring that students with special needs are provided with a safe and inclusive learning environment.

On efforts to strengthen preschool education, she said that facilities would be upgraded, including the provision of smart televisions and the expansion of 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, while the government has also allocated RM125 million for the renovation and maintenance of existing classes.

Touching on school governance, Fadhlina said a new grading system would be implemented starting this year, involving school administrators and taking into account workload factors such as student enrolment, dormitory occupancy and education level.

“This is to ensure that administrators have the qualifications and authority needed to carry out their responsibilities more effectively,” she said.

She added that the new grading system also addresses several key demands of the teachers’ union, including enabling ordinary academic teachers (GAB) with Grade DG12 to be appointed as senior assistant teachers (GPK) in primary schools, as well as providing greater flexibility in changing work locations.

In other developments, Fadhlina said 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.

Among the initiatives are the operation of 17 new schools this year, the upgrading of 50 dilapidated schools, and the provision of computer laboratory equipment to 1,801 schools.

On inclusive education, 200 new special education classes would 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, she said 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 this March.

In terms of educational technology, Fadhlina said 800 schools will implement the artificial intelligence (AI)-Powered Classroom programme, while the AI-based DELIMa 3.0 learning platform will be rolled out starting this month.

Touching on pre-university students, she said that MOE had, for the first time, channelled Early Schooling Assistance of RM150 on a one-off basis to 99,678 Form Six students, in recognition of their role as well as to provide early support for them to continue their studies at a higher level.

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.

“Remember, the true success of education is not measured solely by global achievements, but by our children growing into civilised and resilient individuals… When that happens, only then will we truly fulfil our mandate as educators and nation builders,” she said.

-- BERNAMA