New education plan - NST 25 September 2024 - Article analysis on Malaysia’s Strategic Education Plan

Aug 13, 2026

New education plan coverage analyzes Malaysia’s Strategic Education Plan 2024 to 2030 (PSKPM) launched to address educational issues over the next six years. It reviews public debate on reinstating UPSR and PT3 in response to concerns about literacy and arithmetic among school leavers. The discussion contrasts exam-focused remedial views with assessment approaches, referencing Finland’s experience. It highlights implementation challenges, oversight committees, and 82 KPI metrics, while evaluating the vision and mission for quality education and developing individual potential.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

New education plan

PSKPM 2024-2030 and its purpose

Debate on reinstating UPSR and PT3

Causes of students’ reading, writing, and counting gaps

Implementation oversight and KPI monitoring

Vision and mission assessment

SEKTOR DOKUMENTASI PENDIDIKANBPPDP,Kementerian Pendidikan MalaysiaAras SB-4,Blok E8,Kompleks E,Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan62604 Putrajaya.Tel :03-88846425Faks:03-88846284 TARIKH:25 SEPTEMBER 2024(RABU)BERITA HARIAN UTUSAN M'SIAN.STRAITS TIMESTHE STAR □SINAR HARIAN □ # New education plan A how-to for changing timesNST 2579/24Pg·2 DDUCATIONis an issue-rich topicin Malaysia.And,asacknowledged by Education Minister FadhlinaSidek,a very challenging one.To be fair,it has beenfor all governments that have take itthat the Education Ministry's Strategic Education Plan2024to 2030(PSKPM)launchedon Monday by the minister isdesigned to resolve the issues between now and in six years tccome.More on this later.But first,a word ortwo about the callto reinstate UPSR and PT3 made in response to an old problem:lack of literacv and arithmetic skills among many of ouschool leavers.Some think exams are the best way to test forremedial action.Others,in making a case for assessmentssay,if properly done,it will achieve the same result,quotingFinland's exam-free experience.But would what works forFinland also work for Malaysia?Not necessarily,but that is fora deep dive.Fadhlina told the media on Monday that shewould leave the issue of the reinstatement ofUPSR and PT3tothe cabinet to decide.But the cabinet may need help with thecritical issues pertaining to the problem or even problems. To be honest,not all the ones who want the reinstatement of exams nor those whoprefer the present assess-ment system know why somany students are not ableto read.write or count.Onereason this happens is thatsuch information isn'tfreely available.To a greatextent,the debate betweenthe two sides is based onspeculation.The ministry The PSKPM ispromising in itspromise:to holisticallyand systematicallyaddress educationalissues in line with thechanging times.. may want to help with the "why"ofthe ailment toget the people to aid with the"how"ofthe cure,though not all are learned in the“how”. The PSKPM is promising in its promise:to holistically andsystematically address educational issues in line with thechanging times,to borrow the language of the document.Promise-watchers,especially parents,will certainly keeptrack of thepromises.If they can get past the“corporatese”ofstrategies and strategic thrusts.Blame it on corporate con-sultancies for imposing the management jargon on bureau-crats.Still,the worth of the promise is when it is put intopractice.Or said differently,the test of the tyre is when therubber hits the road.It must be acknowledged by those whoare tasked with delivering the promise that there is quite aspace between the PSKPMand theindividualwhose potentialis to be developed.It is in this delicate space that things can belost in translation.This is one of the tasks of two oversightentities—the PSKPM Monitoring Parent Committee and thePSKPM Working Committee—set up by the Education Min-istry to ensure smooth implementation and achievement ofPSKPM's goals.Its 82 key performance indicators(KPIs)willcome in handy as oversight metrics for the two committees. Overall,the Education Ministry has got its vision and mis-sion right.As for the former,it is:“Quality Education,Ed-ucated Individuals,Prosperous Nation”.Very hard to quarrelwith that.Similarly tough will be any squabble with itsmission:"Sustaining a Quality Education System to DevelopIndividual Potential in Line with National Aspirations”.Likein many things,the devilisin the details.The KPIs arethere totake care ofit.

FAQs

What is the PSKPM and what timeframe does it cover?

PSKPM is Malaysia’s Strategic Education Plan 2024 to 2030, designed to resolve education issues over the next six years after its Monday launch.

Why are some people calling to reinstate UPSR and PT3?

The call is linked to concerns about a lack of literacy and arithmetic skills among many school leavers, and the belief that examinations could prompt remedial action.

How does the article assess the merits of exams versus other assessment methods?

It notes that some argue exams test remedial action effectively, while others cite assessment approaches and Finland’s exam-free experience, but warns that what works elsewhere may not automatically work in Malaysia.

How will PSKPM implementation be monitored?

Two oversight entities—the PSKPM Monitoring Parent Committee and the PSKPM Working Committee—are set up to ensure smooth implementation, supported by 82 key performance indicators (KPIs).

Aug 13, 2026

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