Education Level in Malaysia: Insights from Global Rankings and Local Concerns

Education is the cornerstone of a nation’s advancement, and in Malaysia, the focus on education levels resonates deeply with policymakers, educators, and, above all, parents, who play a crucial role in shaping the future.

From global rankings to local concerns, Malaysia’s education system faces challenges that require collective efforts to address. This blog takes a closer look at where Malaysia stands globally, the state of literacy within the country, and how these factors impact the future of its people.

 

Malaysia’s PISA Rankings: A Declining Trend

Malaysia’s journey in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings has seen ups and downs. In 2023, Malaysia’s score dropped to 404, a noticeable decline from 431 in 2018 and 440 in 2015, pushing the nation back into the bottom third of participating countries. 

Let’s get a better idea of what this decline may mean for the future of education.

Educational Gaps and Disparities

The World Bank’s 29th Malaysia Economic Monitor report (April 2024) titled “Bending Bamboo Shoots: Strengthening Foundational Skills” identified significant gaps in Malaysia’s education system, particularly among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Despite high enrolment in early childhood centres, 24% of children entering primary school lack school-readiness skills. This lack of preparation, largely affecting lower-income families, leads to persistent challenges in literacy and numeracy throughout their education journey.

Government Efforts and Persistent Challenges

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has introduced initiatives such as the Reading Aid Programme and the Primary School Literacy and Numeracy Programme to bridge these gaps. However, the World Bank report notes that these efforts didn’t have the desired impact to address the systemic issues, leaving many students still struggling with foundational skills.

 

Literacy in Malaysia: There Is Hope

Malaysia has achieved commendable literacy rates, with 94.64% of Malaysian adults being literate, according to a recent UNESCO report.

To bridge existing literacy gaps, the Finance Ministry (MOF) and the MOE introduced the Anak Kita programme in 2024, which focuses on strengthening foundational skills, improving SPM pass rates, and reintegrating dropouts into the education system. This initiative brings together the public and private sectors in a collaborative effort to enhance educational access nationwide.

Despite these achievements, illiteracy remains a challenge in both rural and urban underserved communities, where students often lack access to quality educational resources. These disparities can limit opportunities and perpetuate inequality across generations. Inclusive strategies are vital to ensuring that every child, regardless of location, receives equitable educational support.

Illiteracy affects not just individuals but entire families, communities, and the nation’s progress. By uniting to tackle this issue, we can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, fostering a brighter future for all.

 

What’s Worrying Educators and Parents?

Beyond rankings and statistics, the quality of learning is a hot topic. Parents worry whether their children are truly equipped for the future, while teachers face challenges in engaging students amidst resource constraints.

Another concern is learning loss. The pandemic accelerated this concern, with extended school closures leading to gaps in foundational skills. Educators are doing their best to bridge these gaps, but the journey requires more than individual effort—it calls for collective and systemic support.

In essence, the education level in Malaysia isn’t just a matter of policy; it’s a deeply personal issue that touches the lives of every family.

 

The Role of Education in Career Prospects

Here’s the undeniable truth: education is a game-changer for job opportunities. In Malaysia, holding an SPM certificate or a degree significantly increases one’s chances of securing a higher-paying job.

A study by the Department of Statistics Malaysia found that those with tertiary education earned nearly 70% more than their peers without it. This isn’t just about money; it’s about providing individuals with the tools to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Literacy and education aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking brighter futures.

Fun fact: Besides addressing basic literacy among our students, GG’s English reading programme, KidzREAD also aims to instil the love of reading, and provides a safe space for students to gain confidence in speaking in English!

 

Building a Better Tomorrow

Improving the education level in Malaysia isn’t something an all-nighter or two can fix. It requires a collective effort from policymakers, educators, parents, and you — the community. Initiatives such as teacher training programmes, resource distribution for underserved schools, and mentorship opportunities can make a lasting difference.

But beyond strategies and policies, it’s the human touch that matters. When we show children that learning is not just a duty but a joy, we plant seeds of curiosity and resilience that will serve them for life.

Another Fun Fact: In GG’s Community Learning Programmes, mentoring plays a huge part in our students’ learning experience. 

Besides teaching grammar, vocabulary, and mathematical concepts, our mentors also act as role models for our students, instilling in them values like loving your neighbours, honouring and respecting one another, and being responsible; values that will help students to thrive.

 

Conclusion

Education is more than a benchmark; it’s a bridge to opportunity. While challenges exist, Malaysia’s journey toward improving education levels is one of determination and hope.

By supporting initiatives that address gaps, valuing the contributions of teachers, and fostering a love for learning among children, we can create an ecosystem where no one is left behind. Together, we can ensure that every Malaysian has access to education that empowers and uplifts them for generations to come.

Let’s start building that bridge today—because every child deserves a future as bright as their dreams.