Education Reform A Top Priority For MOE, Says DG

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education is intensifying its efforts to implement reforms to improve the quality of education and school management nationwide, according to Education director-general Azman Adnan.

Azman explained that the reform process is guided by three key principles namely priority, alignment and unity.

He also outlined eight priorities to be addressed this year including reducing student dropout rates, enhancing teacher professionalism, strengthening educational leadership, improving international assessment results, and advancing student literacy and numeracy.

He emphasised that the operations of the ministry, State Education Departments (JPN), District Education Offices (PPD) and schools are vital in ensuring the quality of the country’s 10,237 schools.

“This education reform targets three categories of schools namely Focus Schools, Aspiration Schools and Inspiration Schools, ensuring that each approach aligns with the unique needs of each institution,” he said during an address today, in conjunction with the opening session for the 2025/2026 school year.

Azman said the ministry is using several strategic frameworks including the Education Reform Agenda, the Seven Core Values of Excellence, the Digital Education Policy and the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013-2025 to support these reforms.

These documents serve as guiding principles for aligning all stakeholders involved in the reform process, he added.

He also noted that the ministry is actively planning for the PPPM 2026-2035 and the 2027 School Curriculum, with both initiatives focused on flexibility, contextual relevance and technological integration to ensure that Malaysia's education system remains relevant to current needs and prepared for future challenges.

To monitor the progress of these reforms, he said the ministry has established several assessment tools including the school quality performance measurement or SKPM Kualiti @ Sekolah, the School Support Tracker (ScST), the JPN and PPD Transformation Index, Performance Dialogues and School-Based Assessment (PBS).

“These tools are designed to evaluate achievements and continuously improve strategies,” he added.

The success of these reforms will lead to quality schools and the creation of a MADANI generation, well-rounded in physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and moral aspects, further strengthening the nation’s education system, said Azman.

-- BERNAMA