Malaysia Strengthens Efforts To Address Challenges Of Marginalised Children And Youth In ASEAN Region -- MOE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) – Malaysia continues to strengthen efforts to address the systemic and complex challenges faced by marginalised children and youth in the region through the organisation of the ASEAN Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY) Seminar held from Oct 28 to 30.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) in a statement today said the three-day seminar themed "From Margin to Centre: Bridging OOSCY Intersectionalities through Innovative Solutions in ASEAN" is a follow-up to the Langkawi Joint Statement, which was the outcome of a roundtable conference between ASEAN Education Ministers in June.

According to the MOE, one of the main focuses of the seminar was data- and evidence-based innovative strategies to address the issue of the OOSCY.

"It also emphasised strengthening cooperation and integrating advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve data quality and support high-impact intervention programmes, while the Children's Co-Lab activities were implemented to empower students' voices and perspectives," according to the statement.

The same statement announced that the seminar, which was officiated by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, highlighted the commitment of all parties to address the issue of student dropout and ensure quality educational opportunities for all.

According to the MOE, the organisation of the seminar, with the support and cooperation of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia, brought together over 100 participants, including those from ASEAN member countries, Mongolia, China and India.

Also participating were strategic partners such as UNICEF, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO).

The statement also said that Fadhlina had launched the MOE’s Student Tracking System (SiPKPM), which uses predictive analytics to identify personalised learning and career pathways for at-risk or dropout students.

"It simultaneously reinforces Malaysia's commitment to data-driven retention and reintegration strategies," said the MOE.

-- BERNAMA