Reflections on the State and Future of Malaysia’s Education

Abstract

This chapter attempts to capture the landscape of Malaysian education through brief essays by individuals who have been involved with education in the country at various levels. Ibrahim Bajunid and Ghauth Jasmon are known leaders in higher education. Terence Gomez and Hwa Yue-Yi are most concerned about policy issues, albeit from very different lenses – Terence as a seasoned political economist, and Yue-Yi as a budding analyst who has spent time as a teacher in Malaysia’s classrooms. Edmond Yap and Dzameer Dzulkifli bring in their perspective from the front lines, as their respective non-governmental organizations (NGOs) try to chip away at the persisting challenges within the Malaysian education system. Roselina Johari Md. Khir takes a look at Malaysia’s education horizon as an educator-playwright-actor. They were asked to reflect about the state of Malaysia’s education and where it is heading in the future. The final chapter presents their essays, followed by a discussion of their reflections in light of Malaysia’s stated vision for its educational system.