“Thai, Khmer, Vietnamese” – Malaysia is Introducing ASEAN Languages as Elective Subjects in Schools

Malaysia will undertake a bold transformation in the education sector to prepare the younger generation for an increasingly challenging future.

According to a report by Sinar Harian, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek shared that education in ASEAN is at a crucial crossroads, and that decisions made will determine whether the region can capitalise on its demographic advantage or face the risk of falling behind.

“Our choice today is between minimal adaptation and bold transformation. Malaysia chooses transformation.”

She said this in reference to changes in curriculum, teachers’ training and strategic collaboration with industries.

AI, ASEAN languages and more!

With that, Malaysia is actively implementing the Digital Education Action Plan 2021 – 2025, and has trained over 100,000 teachers in digital pedagogy through collaboration with Google for Education, UNESCO and local universities.

The National AI Action Plan has also been introduced to integrate AI as a teaching and learning tool, and students will also be able to choose ASEAN languages as electives in schools.

“Pilot schools are now using AI-powered platforms to personalise learning experiences, identify dropout risks and offer specific interventions. The government has also introduced solar-powered hybrid classrooms with satellite internet connections in 180 rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak, to ensure that the digital divide does not exacerbate educational inequality,”

“Malaysia is also paying attention to building a younger generation who are ready to face a cross-cultural and linguistic world. ASEAN languages such as Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese are now being introduced as elective subjects in schools, in line with the goal of strengthening intra-ASEAN relations,” she added.

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