RPN CAN RAISE EDUCATION STANDARDS, KEEP PACE WITH GLOBAL TRENDS – PTA

By Frank Julian Martin

SIBU, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- The government’s initiative to revamp the national education system through the National Education Blueprint (RPN) 2026-2035 is timely and necessary to raise education standards, according to a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Julau No. 2 PTA chairman Emand Sedau said Malaysia’s education system must be aligned with global developments, particularly in countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong that place strong emphasis on technology and technical education.

“I strongly believe the government’s initiative to revamp our education system will help elevate national education standards, as we are currently lagging behind global developments, especially in technology and technical fields,” he told Bernama.

He said the blueprint demonstrates the federal government’s stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet demand for skilled expertise across technical sectors.

“TVET can expand high-income opportunities and support Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030. Sarawak is making significant investments in TVET to build a skilled workforce for economic transformation, with focus areas including artificial intelligence, green technology, digital skills and modern agriculture, supported by close industry collaboration,” he said.

Emand also welcomed the proposal to make history a compulsory subject in schools and institutions of higher learning, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening students’ understanding of national heritage and identity.

On the introduction of “Inspiration Schools”, he said the initiative could promote healthy competition among students across districts and encourage improved academic performance.

He also supported the move to strengthen English alongside Bahasa Melayu, particularly by emphasising English in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and preschool education.

“Bahasa Melayu is the official language that all citizens must master, while English is equally important for technological advancement. Early exposure to both languages should be implemented without prejudice,” he said.

RPN was launched on Jan 20 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to build a high-quality, inclusive and competitive education system.

-- BERNAMA