In line with the ASEAN Education Action Plan Framework 2021-2025, the Ministry of Education is retraining over 100,000 teachers nationwide on digital teaching methods and 21st-century teaching tools.
Education Minister Fadhlina said that this initiative focuses on the professional development of teachers and collaborates with Google for Education, UNESCO, and local universities.
“Malaysia recognizes that the education sector must shift from passive knowledge transmission to active skill development, creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. We are at a crossroads, and between moderate adjustments and bold transformations, Malaysia has chosen the latter.”
She made these remarks on Monday (21st) during an address at the 2025 Empowered Education Summit under the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN through Skills and Innovation,” noting that the ASEAN Education Action Plan 2021-2025 establishes a robust cooperation framework that aligns perfectly with Malaysia's vision.
She added that Malaysia also focuses on the collaboration between technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and industries, such as implementing a national vocational education and training empowerment agenda, where public and private sectors jointly develop modular and industry-related training.
For instance, in Johor and Penang, the electrical and electronics industry is co-designing semiconductor-focused TVET pathways with polytechnics and vocational schools.
Additionally, Fadhlina mentioned that some designated pilot schools are using AI-driven learning platforms to personalize student learning, identify early risks of dropping out, and offer customized, on-the-go tutoring.
She said the Ministry is also expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs such as #MySTEMAmbassadors and STEM4ALL, targeting rural and underprivileged students.
She pointed out that in 2024 alone, over 200,000 students participated in STEM camps and robotics competitions, but digital equity remains a challenge.
“We are currently promoting solar-powered hybrid classrooms and satellite internet to 180 schools in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure that educational innovations do not exacerbate existing inequalities.”
Fadhlina said Malaysia's bilingual education system has long integrated the national language and English, and the Ministry is currently expanding elective courses in ASEAN languages such as Mandarin, Tamil, Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese to deepen cooperation within ASEAN.
“ASEAN's strength lies in its diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions. To fully harness this, we must ensure that our young people are multilingual, adaptable, and culturally literate.”