DECLINING DROPOUT RATES AND RISING TVET ENROLLMENT HIGHLIGHT PPPM'S SUCCESS

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The consistent decline in the secondary school dropout rate and the increase in enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) since 2019 are among the key achievements of the Malaysia Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013-2025, which aims to enhance access, quality, and efficiency in national education. 

Education director-general Azman Adnan stated that the secondary school dropout rate, which was 1.14 percent in 2019, steadily decreased to 1.13 percent in 2020, 1.11 percent in 2021, 0.99 percent in 2022, and further dropped to 0.83 percent in 2023.

"The Ministry of Education (MOE) is committed to addressing the dropout issue by implementing numerous interventions to help students return to school.

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“In 2023, the Outreach Programme for Dropout Students successfully reintegrated 1,269 primary school students and 2,006 secondary school students," he said during a recent special interview that highlighted the significance and success of PPPM, as well as ongoing education reforms.

Based on MOE statistics, the primary school participation rate in 2023 stood at 99.11 percent, meaning 0.89 percent of children still lacked access to primary education.

Azman noted that the MOE has taken various initiatives to encourage students to pursue skill-based courses offered at vocational colleges, technical secondary schools, and the skills streams in daily secondary schools, resulting in a 99.38 percent employability rate of TVET students at vocational colleges in 2022.

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These initiatives include outreach programmes during the MADANI Carnival, the expansion of the National Dual Training System, and collaborations with industry players such as the Malaysian National Technology Association, the Farmers' Organisation Authority, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and the Malaysian Fashion Designers Association.

“I have chaired meetings with 10 industry associations, and they are committed to working with the MOE, particularly with TVET and post-TVET training,” he said.

“With the support of these associations, we hope to improve the quality of training for our children and, in turn, create opportunities for them to enter the workforce after completing their training at vocational colleges,” he added.

He also noted that the Vocational College Standard Curriculum structure is divided into 70 percent practical training and 30 percent theory, highlighting the emphasis on hands-on skills development.

Based on the 2023 PPPM Annual Report, enrolment in TVET streams increased from 4.60 percent in 2019 to 6.11 percent in 2020, followed by 6.30 percent in 2021, 6.66 percent in 2022, and 10.51 percent in 2023.

To stay aligned with industry trends, the MOE also plans to offer new and high-impact programmes in fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicle automotive technology, and hydrogen technology.

Regarding access to education at the preschool level, he stated that one of the initial efforts was the expansion of preschool classes, adding that as of August 2024, there were 134 preschool classes nationwide.

He added that the expansion also includes five classes at secondary schools, six at vocational colleges, and 25 preschool classes at the Malaysian Teacher Education Institute. 

"This is primarily aimed at helping children from B40 families receive basic education before progressing to primary school and beyond," he said.

Asked about the progress of the recovery plan to guide students who have dropped out of the national education system, which was previously developed by the MOE, Azman said the ministry will continue to explore opportunities to expand the development of the Comprehensive Special Model Schools 9, or K9.

K9 schools provide education from Year One to Form Three, to address dropout issues in rural areas, particularly for students facing difficulties continuing education at the upper secondary level due to distance, challenging terrain, and family socio-economic factors.

“MOE is expanding the K9 concept to the K11 Special Model School, which offers a more comprehensive approach from the primary to the secondary level over 11 years, covering Year One to Form Five.

“The K11 Special Model School concept is expected to reduce dropout rates during the transition from Form Three to Form Four or the transition from lower secondary to upper secondary education,” he said, noting that, for now, there are 28 K9 schools and two K11 schools.

He highlighted that MOE has also launched a pilot K11 programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan RPS Betau, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, now known as Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan RPS Betau, specifically for Orang Asli students in the area, and at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Bedian, Baram, Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA