PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's education system faces the challenge of balancing international standards while addressing local challenges, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

The MCA deputy president said, in a statement Monday (Sept 2), that it was imperative to take action and tackle the issues affecting the quality of education in the country.

"The quality of teaching remains a critical concern. We need to ensure that a comprehensive system is in place for professional development and teachers must stay up to date with modern teaching methods and educational technology," he said, adding that this was especially true for rural areas.

Dr Mah also said Malaysia should focus on student-centred learning that helps create a more engaging and effective educational journey for students.

"As the country advances, a commitment to continuous adaptation and improvement is crucial. By regularly updating strategies and addressing challenges, Malaysia can create a more effective and inclusive education system," he said.

The full text of Dr Mah's statement can be read below:

*Education is the Next Step for Development*

Malaysia's education system faces the challenge of balancing international standards while addressing local challenges. As new parents tackle schooling systems in an effort to select the best path for their children, it is imperative for us to take action and tackle issues that affect our educational quality.

The quality of teaching remains a critical concern. We need to ensure that a comprehensive system is in place for professional development: teachers must stay up to date with modern teaching methods and educational technology. This is especially true for rural areas, which often lag behind urban regions.

Implementing programmes to provide these areas with equitable access to quality education and resources is essential for reducing disparities and promoting fairness across the country.

Rigid structures in the curriculum also pose as a problem. Rigidity restricts a student’s ability to explore their interests or develop a broad range of skills.

We should also be focusing on student-centred learning that helps create a more engaging and effective educational journey for our students.

Methods like project-based learning and hands-on activities can help students become more involved and better understand the material.

Additionally, moving away from memorisation tactics and standardised tests to turn towards more well-rounded assessments can offer a clearer picture of students' overall skills and knowledge.

Furthermore, to build a strong national identity, it is crucial to promote unity among various types of schools, including SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan), SK (Sekolah Kebangsaan), and vernacular schools. Balancing the needs of these diverse institutions is essential for creating an inclusive and effective education system that supports both cultural unity and diversity.

Providing equal resources and opportunities to all schools, such as fair allocation of funds, infrastructure development, and access to technology, helps close gaps and strengthens Malaysia’s multicultural society.

As the country advances, a commitment to continuous adaptation and improvement is crucial. By regularly updating strategies and addressing emerging challenges, Malaysia can create a more effective and inclusive education system, paving the way for a brighter future for every student.

DATUK DR MAH HANG SOON

MCA Deputy President

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/02/continuous-adaptation-improvement-vital-to-ensure-effective-inclusive-education-system-says-dr-mah