Gerakan calls for education overhaul after more SPM dropouts, jobless youths
SHAH ALAM - Gerakan President Datuk Dominic Lau Hoe Chai has called for a review of Malaysia's education system following criticism and its failure to develop high-value human capital.
In a statement, Lau said the recent remarks by National Professors Council Education and Human Capital Cluster secretary Anuar Ahmad on the poor state of Malaysia's education shows it was time for an overhaul.
Lau stressed that situation is worsened with Form five students opting not to pursue higher education, dropping out of school, and a significant number failing to complete even the SPM examination.
Gerakan strongly believes that this deterioration cannot be allowed to persist, especially as the world increasingly focuses on developing high-capacity human capital.
"The education system needs to reduce its reliance on rote learning and instead introduce a syllabus that aligns with future requirements.
"Efforts should be made to promote digital literacy as a tool for communication and problem-solving.
"Students should be proficient in evaluating online information and utilising digital tools for effective communication and innovation, including coding and developing innovative applications," he said.
Lau added moving forward it was crucial to be honest about our strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in the education system.
The Education Ministry must review areas that need improvement and revise existing subjects.
A report by investment bank Goldman Sachs warns of the potential replacement of 300 million full-time jobs worldwide by artificial intelligence (AI) and Malaysia would not be exempted from this trend.
However, the report also suggests that it could lead to the creation of new jobs and a productivity boom.
Given these circumstances, it is crucial to equip the younger generation with the skills necessary to adapt to these changes. Continuing to teach topics that may no longer be relevant could hinder prospects to meet current needs and result in a loss of interest in studies.
Efforts should be made to promote digital literacy as a tool for communication and problem-solving. Students should be proficient in evaluating online information and utilising digital tools for effective communication and innovation, including coding and developing innovative applications.
Entrepreneurship and financial literacy play a crucial role in nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and business skills. Students should understand the components and strategies of a business plan.
Lau added that rather than focusing on rote learning, schools should emphasise group projects to foster teamwork, presentation skills and critical thinking as students field questions from their peers.
There should be efforts to promote mental health topics to help students manage stress, build resilience and maintain overall well-being.
"Green technology is the future but are we teaching our children this? This could be done through school projects." he said in the statement.
Lau went on to elaborate that each school should also collaborate with parents who come from diverse backgrounds. Look at ways how parents could volunteer to share their expertise and time.
"When parents register their child in a school, they could also fill up a form on how they would like to volunteer to students. Collect the data and collaborate with parents who may be more than willing to be part of the school projects." he said
To summarise, Gerakan urges the education ministry to address its current education crisis and align the curriculum with future requirements.
This includes reduce rote learning, promote digital literacy, nurture entrepreneurial and financial skills, encourage group projects, prioritise mental health, incorporate green technology, and foster collaboration with parents.
