Julau: 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).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Julau No. 2 PTA chairman Emand Sedau stated that Malaysia's education system must be aligned with global developments, particularly in countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong that emphasize technology and technical education. Emand expressed confidence that the government's initiative will help elevate national education standards, as the country is currently lagging behind in technology and technical fields.
He highlighted that the blueprint demonstrates the federal government's stronger focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the demand for skilled expertise across technical sectors. He noted that 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.
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. He expressed support for the introduction of 'Inspiration Schools,' which he believes could promote healthy competition among students across districts and encourage improved academic performance.
Furthermore, Emand supported the move to strengthen English alongside Bahasa Melayu, particularly by emphasizing English in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and preschool education. He emphasized that while Bahasa Melayu is the official language that all citizens must master, English is equally important for technological advancement, advocating for early exposure to both languages without prejudice.
RPN was launched on January 20 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to build a high-quality, inclusive, and competitive education system.