JOHOR BARU: Johor is set to launch pilot schools next year in a bid to advance the state education system, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the move was to make the education system in Johor more competitive and progressive.

The initiative would be carried out in collaboration with the Johor Education Department, he said.

“It is in line with the directive of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who has emphasised the importance of high-quality education.

“Special attention will be given to mastering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as the English language,” he said in a statement.

As a start, the pilot project will encompass two primary schools and two secondary schools, selected by the state education department.

Onn Hafiz hoped that the Johor pilot school initiative would yield positive outcomes for the state’s future.

On May 9, Tunku Ismail was reported to have called for a national education reform by making changes to the syllabi of subjects that are no longer relevant to ensure the next generation remains competitive.

He called on the Federal Government to take more proactive measures to improve the quality, system and facilities of education.

“If this cannot be done at the national level, let Johor become the first state to change the syllabi in our schools,” he decreed when opening the 15th state assembly sitting back then.

It was his first state assembly opening as the Regent of Johor.

Meanwhile, Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the pilot project would start with four schools and if proven successful, it would be expanded statewide.

“We are still discussing the details on the timeframe for the pilot project. What is important is to get parents’ from these schools onboard with the plan.

“We must ensure that the teaching and learning process does not end at school but is also supported by the parents,” he said.

Aznan said parents would be roped in for discussions on the pilot project.

He said that currently, 48% of students in the state had signed up for STEM classes and the target set was for such classes to reach 60% to 70% registration by 2028.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/28/focus-on-stem-and-english