The Education System in Malaysia Explained

The Malaysian education system stands out for its multilingualism, offering three main types of schools: national schools, where Malay is the medium of instruction, Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, and international schools that follow foreign curricula. How does this diverse system shape the educational journey in Malaysia? Read on for an introduction to the Malaysian education system.

Structure of the Education System in Malaysia

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Malaysia sets policies and oversees implementation of primary and secondary schools, while the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is responsible for the oversight of Malaysia's higher education sector. Overall, these government organisations govern the education sector, dividing the Malaysian education system into the following key stages:

• Pre-school education starts at age 4 or 5 and is optional but highly encouraged. In reality, the majority of children in Malaysia go to preschool.
• Primary education begins at age 7 and lasts for six years. Since 2021, the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR), which is a form of standardised test, was abolished in favour of school-based assessments that better reflect students’ overall abilities.
• Secondary education is split into two stages: Lower Secondary (Forms 1 to 3) used to end with a standardised assessment, but the test has similarly been abolished in 2021. Upper Secondary (Forms 4 and 5), in contrast, concludes with the SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), the Malaysian Certificate of Education. The test results serve as the basis for university entrance or employment.
• Post-secondary education offers pathways like STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia), a two-year pre-university course similar to the UK’s A-Levels, or Matriculation, a one-year fast-track program for entry into public universities.
• Tertiary education includes universities, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and colleges, which offer shorter-term vocational training or alternatively stepping stones to university.

Structure of Education in Malaysia

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Pre-School Education in Malaysia

While pre-school education is not compulsory, it is very common in Malaysia. As of 2022, Malaysia's preschool enrollment rate stands at 87%. The government has announced its goal to ensure 100% enrollment rate in 2025 under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Pre-schools in Malaysia typically cater to children aged 4 to 6 years and can be broadly categorized into public and private institutions:

• Public pre-schools, also known as "Tabika", are often run by the government or government-linked organizations such as the Ministry of Education or KEMAS (Community Development Department). These institutions follow a standardized curriculum focused on basic literacy, numeracy and moral education.
• Private pre-schools, on the other hand, offer a variety of curricula, including Montessori, Waldorf and international early childhood education programs. These institutions often provide a more diverse range of activities, language options and teaching approaches, catering to the needs of different communities, mostly expatriates.

Primary Education in Malaysia

Similar to most places in the world, primary education in Malaysia typically starts at age 7 and continue until age 12. This stage, which spans six years, is compulsory for all Malaysian children and strongly advised for expatriate children.

There are three types of public schools, as categorised by the language of instruction:

• National Schools (SK), where Bahasa Melayu is the primary language of instruction
• Chinese Vernacular Schools (SJK(C)), which teach primarily in Mandarin
• Tamil Vernacular Schools (SJK(T)), which use Tamil as the medium of instruction.

All these schools follow the national curriculum, which is standardised across the country and includes key subjects like Bahasa Melayu (Malay), English, Mathematics, and Science. The difference between them is that these schools each has an additional focus on their respective languages and cultural studies, which caters to Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities.

Private schools, on the other hand, include private national curriculum schools and international schools. The latter type, which follows international curricula such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Levels, have increasingly found popularity among Malaysia parents.

A recent reform occured in 2021, when the school-leaving exam at the end of primary school (the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination) was abolished. Now, the focus has shifted to continuous school-based assessments, which evaluate students’ progress throughout their primary schooling. These assessments aim to reduce the pressure of high-stakes exams and encourage a more holistic approach to learning, allowing teachers to better cater to individual student needs.

Secondary Education in Malaysia

Secondary education in Malaysia is mandatory, with students usually entering secondary school at age 13 and completing by age 17. This span of five years is split into two parts:

• Forms 1 to 3: Also known as lower secondary education, this phase covers general subjects and introduces students to more complex concepts. Subjects typically include Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. This phase also integrates moral education and Islamic studies for Muslims. The PT3 assessment, which used to take place at the end of this stage, was similarly abolished in 2021.
• Forms 4 and 5: This is the upper secondary phase, where students choose specific streams (science, arts, technical, etc.) based on their interests and academic strengths. The curriculum becomes more specialized, preparing students for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, which is a competitive national examination and its results are the primary criteria for entry into pre-university programs, public universities, and eligibility for government scholarships.

In private secondary schools, however, the mode of teaching is structured in vastly different ways:

• Language of instruction: In public schools, the language of instruction is predominantly Malay while English is treated as a compulsory subject. Private schools, however, are typically internationl schools where English is the primary language used.
• Curriculum: The currcula provided by the Malaysian government incorporates region- and nation-specific subjects while international schools offer more standardised curricula, like IB and A-Levels.
• Government regulations: Government schools often have specific academic schedules and policies, such as implementing shorter school hours with multiple shifts to manage overcrowding, while private schools are not subject to these constraints.

Post-Secondary Education in Malaysia

Post-secondary education in Malaysia offers a range of pathways for students who have completed their secondary education, typically after the SPM examination. This stage is crucial for students as they prepare for higher education or enter the workforce.

• Pre-University Programs: Students aiming for university education often choose from a wide range of pre-university programs, which include:
  • STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia): A two-year program similar to the UK’s A-levels, known for its rigor and recognized both locally and internationally for university admission.
  • Matriculation: A one-year fast-track program focused on preparing students for entry into public universities in Malaysia, particularly in STEM fields. It is less rigorous and exam-oriented than than STPM, but also enjoys less international recognition as its primary purpose is for admission into Malaysian universities.
  • Foundation Programs: Offered by private universities, these typically last one year and are designed to prepare students for specific undergraduate programs at the same institution.
  • A-levels and IB: Available at international schools, these globally recognized programs prepare students for university education worldwide.
• Vocational and Technical Education: For students interested in skill-based careers, Malaysia offers various vocational and technical training options:
  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): These programs are provided by technical institutes, polytechnics and community colleges, focusing on hands-on training in fields like engineering, hospitality, and healthcare.
  • Diploma Programs: These are typically two to three-year courses offered by colleges and polytechnics, providing specialized training in areas such as business, design or technology.

In sum, post-secondary education in Malaysia is diverse, offering both academic and vocational pathways to suit different interests and career goals.

Tertiary Education in Malaysia

Tertiary education in Malaysia offers a diverse range of opportunities for students who have completed their pre-university or equivalent qualifications. This stage includes both universities and colleges, each providing different types of programs and qualifications.

• Universities: Malaysian universities, both public and private, offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various fields such as science, engineering, medicine, business and the arts. Public universities are often more affordable and highly competitive, while private universities offer more flexibility in terms of entry requirements and program offerings. Some Malaysian universities, such as University of Malaya (UM), are internationally recognized, attracting students from around the world.
• Colleges: Colleges in Malaysia primarily offer diploma and certificate programs, which are usually shorter than degree programs and focus on specific skills and vocational training. These institutions cater to students looking for more practical, hands-on education in fields like hospitality, healthcare, design, and technical trades. Many colleges also provide pathways to degree programs, allowing students to transfer credits to a university after completing a diploma.
• Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs): These include a range of private universities and colleges that often partner with foreign universities to offer dual-degree programs or twinning programs, where students can complete part of their studies in Malaysia and the remainder abroad. An example is the partnership between Taylor's University and the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol. This approach provides students with international exposure and the opportunity to earn a degree from a foreign university at a fraction of the cost compared to studying entirely overseas.

Overall, tertiary education in Malaysia is designed to cater to a wide array of academic interests and career goals, with options ranging from vocational training to advanced research degrees and from local to abroad.

International Education Options in Malaysia

Malaysia offers a range of international education options, catering to both expatriates and locals seeking globally recognised qualifications. The most popular curricula include:

• IGCSE: Widely adopted in international schools, the IGCSE is often followed by A-Levels, providing a pathway to universities worldwide. The exams are competitive, and many students seek additional support from an IGCSE tutor in Malaysia to secure top grades.
• A-Levels: A rigorous two-year program, A-Levels are highly regarded by universities in the UK and elsewhere. The competitiveness of A-Level exams drives many students to engage tutors to enhance their performance, particularly in critical subjects like Mathematics and Science.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Known for its holistic approach, the IB Diploma Programme is gaining popularity in Malaysia. Given its challenging nature, the demand for an IB tutor in Malaysia is increasing, with parents investing in private tutoring to help students achieve high scores.

These international programs are competitive, with exams often determining university admissions. As a result, private tutoring has become prevalent, with parents frequently turning to specialist tutors to ensure their children excel in these demanding curricula.

Recent Reforms in Malaysia

A significant and recent reform in the Malaysian education system is the abolition of the UPSR (Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah) and PT3 (Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3) examinations, which forms a part of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Announced in 2021, this move by the Ministry of Education marks a shift away from the traditionally exam-centric approach to a more holistic assessment model.

The decision was driven by concerns that the heavy focus on high-stakes exams was fostering a stressful, rote-learning environment. The reform aims to encourage more continuous and formative assessments, where students are evaluated on their overall performance throughout the year, including class participation, project work, and other school-based assessments.

This change has sparked widespread debate among educators, parents, and students. While some welcome the reduction in exam pressure, others are concerned about the consistency and fairness of school-based assessments across different schools. The impact of this reform is still unfolding, and it continues to be a topic of intense discussion in Malaysia's education sector.

For instance, the abolition of UPSR and PT3 exams in Malaysia may widen the gap between local and international school students. Local schools now rely more on continuous assessments, which can vary in quality across different institutions, potentially disadvantaging students from less resourced schools. This inconsistency contrasts with the standardized exams in international schools, such as IGCSE, A-Levels and IB, which are externally moderated and globally recognized, giving their students a more uniform benchmark of performance. Furthermore, international school students might have an edge due to the perceived rigor and reliability of their qualifications as well as more consistent preparation and support. As a result, this reform could exacerbate existing inequalities, making it more challenging for local school students to compete on an equal footing with their international school counterparts.

As an A-Level tutor in Malaysia said,

"It's a pity that the reforms might widen the gap between local and international students. Without standardized exams, local students may struggle to compete on the same level as their international school counterparts."

The Role of Technology in Malaysian Education

In Malaysia, the shift to online and blended learning models has accelerated with schools and universities adopting digital platforms to deliver lessons and manage student progress. The government has supported this growth through, for instance, the National Digital Education Policy.

Key initiatives include:

• Digital Classrooms: The introduction of smart classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, digital devices, and high-speed internet is becoming more common, especially in urban schools.
• eLearning Portals: Platforms like DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia) provide students with access to a wide range of educational resources, including e-textbooks, video lessons, and interactive learning tools.
• Teacher Training: There is an ongoing effort to upskill teachers in the use of digital tools and online teaching methodologies, ensuring they can effectively deliver content in a digital environment.

In face of these developments, it has become crucial for students to adapt and to develop digital literacy. As an IGCSE tutor in Malaysia says,

"It's crucial that students understand how to distinguish credible information from unreliable content by checking the author's credentials, cross-referencing facts and being aware of biases in light of the fast-changing ditigal learning landscape."

Cross-country Comparison: Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia

Malaysia is often compared with Singapore and Indonesia due to their regional proximity and shared history. However, these countries' education system is hugely different with varying degrees of academic rigour, education approach and international recognition.

Language of Instruction

• Malaysia: The Malaysian education system is multilingual, with instruction available in Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. This diversity reflects the country's multicultural population and allows students to learn in their mother tongue while acquiring proficiency in other languages.
• Singapore: Singapore uses English as the primary medium of instruction, with Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil as second languages, depending on the student's ethnic background. This approach promotes national cohesion while ensuring proficiency in English, a global language.
• Indonesia: In Indonesia, Bahasa Indonesia is the primary language of instruction across all schools, with local languages used in early education, particularly in rural areas. The system is less multilingual compared to Malaysia, focusing on a unified national identity.

Exam-Centric vs. Holistic Education

• Malaysia: Malaysia is shifting from an exam-centric approach to a more holistic education model, emphasizing continuous assessment, character development, and critical thinking skills.
• Singapore: Singapore remains exam-centric, with standardized tests like the PSLE and GCE O-Levels playing a crucial role in students' academic progression. Despite this, there is a growing emphasis on nurturing creativity and holistic development.
• Indonesia: Indonesia has also started to reduce its reliance on high-stakes exams, focusing on a more inclusive and equitable education system. However, challenges remain in implementing holistic education across the country.

Academic Rigour

• Malaysia: Malaysia’s education system is moderately rigorous, with recent reforms moving away from high-stakes exams to continuous assessment. However, disparities in educational resources can affect the level of rigor across different regions.
• Singapore: Singapore’s education system is known for its high level of academic rigor. Students face challenging standardized exams, and the system consistently produces top performers in global assessments.
• Indonesia: Indonesia's system is less rigorous compared to Singapore, with ongoing efforts to improve educational quality and reduce disparities between urban and rural areas.

International Recognition

• Malaysia: Malaysia’s education system is gaining international recognition, particularly through its international schools and twinning programs with foreign universities. However, challenges in consistency and quality across different regions remain.
• Singapore: Singapore’s education system is globally recognized for its excellence, particularly in mathematics and science. Singaporean students consistently rank among the top in international assessments, and the country’s universities are highly regarded worldwide.
• Indonesia: Indonesia's education system is less internationally recognized compared to Malaysia and Singapore. While there are ongoing reforms, Indonesia faces challenges in raising the global profile of its educational institutions.

Challenges and Future Trends in Malaysian Education

The Malaysian education system faces several challenges as it adapts to evolving global standards and local needs. One key challenge is addressing the disparity in educational quality between urban and rural schools, where resource allocation and teacher availability can vary significantly. This inequality affects students' access to quality education, particularly in underprivileged areas.

Another ongoing issue is the pressure to balance cultural diversity with national unity in a multicultural society. While vernacular schools help preserve linguistic heritage, they also raise concerns about social integration and equitable educational outcomes across different ethnic groups.

Looking forward, the future of Malaysian education is likely to focus on increasing digitalization, with more emphasis on online learning and the integration of technology in classrooms. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards more holistic, student-centered learning approaches, moving away from exam-oriented education. These trends aim to create a more inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive education system in Malaysia.

Conclusion

The Malaysian education system is distinguished by its multilingual instruction, diverse school types, and recent reforms towards holistic learning. Its dual system, which combines academic schooling with practical apprenticeships, offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for both university and the workforce. This makes Malaysia an attractive destination for international students seeking a culturally rich and flexible education, particularly those interested in gaining global perspectives while benefiting from a blend of academic and practical experiences.