Education System Should Keep Pace With Evolving Global Landscape - PM Anwar

From Saraswathi Muniappan

NAIROBI, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- The education system needs to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global landscape that meets global standards and is inclusive, said Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“We need a systemic overhaul that is more inclusive and open to the dynamics of knowledge attainment,” he said.

Quoting the late celebrated Kenyan novelist, scholar, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Anwar said: “Educational systems that do not learn from the creative wisdom of the people and allow only one way of knowing are the systems of domination.”

He said this at the Malaysia-Africa Higher Education Forum 2025 held in conjunction with his official visit to Nairobi. 

“This is why it is a matter of great significance that Malaysia and Africa share histories shaped by struggle and resilience. We emerged from colonial domination with a commitment to fairness and dignity, and rebuilt our societies through courage and determination.”

He said the experiences form the belief that independence must be accompanied with intellectual transformation and matched with equity, while development must uplift all and education must remain the great equaliser.

However, he acknowledged that new and complex challenges will continue to emerge. 

These include the growing difficulty of financing higher education, the need for robust quality assurance mechanisms that meet international standards, and the pressure to keep digital transformation inclusive and meaningful.

Despite these hurdles, Asia and Africa stand before immense opportunities, he said.

“Asia and Africa are home to the world’s youngest populations. Our economies are growing, and our future prosperity depends on talent, innovation, and knowledge.”

-- BERNAMA