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The much anticipated National Educational Development Plan (RPN) for the next 10 years (2026-2035) was launched today, with several key changes, among them is lowering the preschool age enrolment from six to five years old.
At the launch, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the blueprint is to serve as the platform to a daring and holistic national education reform.
On starting kids off earlier, Anwar said that the shift will not be mandatory immediately, to give parents, schools and teachers time to prepare for the new structure.
With preschool age being lowered, the same is being applied to primary education. Beginning next year, albeit voluntary for now, Standard 1 will no longer be limited to 7 year olds, but is lowered to 5+ (6 during the school year).
“The move is designed to ensure children are better prepared for formal education while giving schools the time to adapt their learning environments and curricula,” he said.
Standardised Test for Standard Four students
Anwar said that Standard Four students will have to take a new standardised assessment beginning this year.
The test will cover four subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Science, and Mathematics.
Previously, the high-stakes Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) was a standardised exam taken by Standard Six students, but it was abolished in 2021 and replaced by school-based assessments.
Meanwhile, Form Three students will also take a standard assessment for Bahasa Melayu, English, Science, Mathematics, and History, beginning next year.
Malaysian students in private and international schools required to learn Bahasa Melayu
Based on the new education blueprint, Bahasa Melayu and History will be mandatory subjects for all Malaysian students enrolled in private, international, and religious schools.
In October last year, the government announced that it will be compulsory for Malaysian students enrolled in international schools to learn the national language from 2026 onwards.
Anwar said the government detected negligence among 249 international schools which did not give priority to the Malay language in its learning systems.
He stressed that the Malay language is not just a language of communication, but rather plays a major role as a language of knowledge, culture and unity.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training
The introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through school curriculums wil begin in 2027.
For primary schools, TVET will begin from Year One to Year Six with the content, skills, and assessment expanded throughout Form One, Two and Three.
TVET for secondary students will focus on technology and digital, according to the education plan.
Free Education for the Poor and People With Disabilities
Free education from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) for children from poor families who are studying at public higher education institutions (IPTA) will be increased from 5,800 to 10,000 students this year, Berita Harian reported.
Additionally, education fees will be waived for people with disabilities (OKU). These initiatives involve more than 3,000 students in this group at all public and polytechnic universities as well as community colleges.
Higher Education Reform
Beginning next year, Form 6 will no longer fall under the Education Ministry, but will be moved under the Higher Education Ministry. The same applies to matriculation programmes.
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