DAPSY calls upon the government to prioritize investments in the education sector to push forward educational reforms, strengthen efforts in nurturing our talents, and establish a robust foundation for educational development through long-term strategic planning.
Given that education serves as the foundation to developing a nation, investments made by the government in the education sector will have a profound and lasting impact on our country’s development for many decades. In this era of globalization and the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is imperative that we ensure our education system remains aligned with the time while equipping our students with exceptional qualities and international competitiveness.
In the fields of education and higher education, we hope to see the government making corresponding investments in the following areas:
Education: Enhancing Educational Resources and Restructuring the IPTA (Institut Pengajian Tinggi Awam) Enrolment System
1. Increase the number of teachers and improve teacher welfare
Primary schools throughout Malaysia grapple with a shortage of teachers and an overwhelming burden on educators, resulting in a decline in educational quality. To address this issue, the government ought to allocate ample funds for the recruitment of teachers across various subjects and concurrently improve teacher welfare. This encompasses streamlining administrative responsibilities for teachers and offering comprehensive and up-to-date training programs in order to improve teaching quality and attract more gifted young individuals to embark on careers in education.
2. Restructure the IPTA enrolment system and promote a merit-based system
The current system for student enrolment in national tertiary education is chaotic, for it has various pathways including Form 6 (STPM), Matriculation programs, Asasi programs, and Diplomas. Not only does this system lack consistency, but it is also marred by a racial-based quota system, hindering numerous exceptional students from pursuing their desired fields of study. To address this issue, the government should allocate funds to research and implement a systematic integration of all higher education pathways within five years to gradually transition to a merit-based and need-based higher education system. This transformation would ensure more equitable access to higher education for all ethnic groups and underprivileged populations.
Higher Education: Increasing Funding, Enhancing Facilities, and Encouraging Collaborative Research and Development
1. Increase research funding for IPTA and upgrade research facilities
Many IPTAs in Malaysia are burdened with outdated facilities, leaving students with limited access to state-of-the-art research equipment. This reliance on antiquated infrastructure, which lags a decade or more behind current standards, poses significant challenges. Moreover, the existing equipment often deteriorates due to inadequate maintenance, thereby impeding students’ research endeavors. This predicament is particularly critical in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), where subpar research environments stifle our progress and innovation.
Hence, it is imperative for the government to augment research funding for public universities, particularly those with research university status. This investment will enable the acquisition of advanced research facilities, elevate the caliber of academic research, and foster innovation in technological research and development (R&D). In doing so, the nation’s science and technology sector will experience gradual advancement.
2. Increase funding for maintaining basic infrastructure in public universities
IPTA students encounter difficulties stemming from the deteriorating state of essential campus facilities. Elements such as safe accommodations, pedestrian pathways, sports facilities, teaching equipment, classrooms, and recreational amenities are integral to creating a safe and comfortable learning environment. Alarmingly, a series of accidents, including fatal incidents, have occurred in various universities across the country, such as Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Malaya (UM), and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Consequently, it is imperative that the government increase funding for the maintenance of public university infrastructure to ensure student safety and provide a higher-quality and conducive academic environment.
3. Promote collaborative research and development
The government should make substantial investments and implement strategic funding mechanisms to systematically promote collaboration in research and development among private corporations, state-owned enterprises, government agencies, and universities. This initiative would foster innovative solutions to tackle global challenges. Moreover, such collaborations would provide students with valuable industrial exposure, establishing a positive cycle where students engage with the industry and, concurrently, the industry aligns with international standards. Over time, these endeavors would enhance the quality of higher education in the country, drive advancements in key economic sectors by capitalizing on talents and research outcomes, and create better employment prospects for the youth.
Investing in education can bring about invaluable benefits in every aspect and thus should be prioritized. If the government strategically allocates resources to the education sector, we will observe significant enhancements in the quality of education within a generation’s time. Furthermore, we can also harness the potential of local talents and their research outcomes to stimulate industrial advancements across various economic sectors. This, in turn, will bolster Malaysia’s competitiveness on both regional and international fronts.