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| PUTRAJAYA: Studies are underway to examine the feasibility of finishing secondary schooling at the age of 16, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said the proposal, raised by former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, reflects global trends where the traditional 10-year schooling cycle has been shortened, and is part of broader government efforts to reform the education system.
"In many parts of the world, education no longer follows the rigid 10-year cycle.
"It can begin as early as preschool, and the overall length can be shortened to allow students to move on to higher levels of learning without unnecessary delays," he said after attending the Ziarah Kasih Simpan SSPN programme at Prima@11, here.
Yesterday, Rafizi had said Malaysia should consider having students complete secondary school by the age of 16 to allow them to enter the workforce by 21.(https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/1255327/rafizi-suggests-endi…)
He had said such a policy shift was necessary as Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation, requiring a younger workforce to contribute earlier to the economy.
Zambry said Rafizi's idea was not raised in isolation but is part of ongoing cabinet-level discussions on education reform.
He said the Economy Ministry had been tasked with gathering feedback from various ministries to ensure a holistic approach.
"This is not just about one idea from a member of parliament.
"The Economy Ministry has been tasked with gathering feedback from all ministries, and what Rafizi raised is part of the information we have compiled.
"Education reform must be seamless, from early schooling to higher education," he said.
Zambry added that shortening the schooling cycle would allow students to advance more efficiently, especially in technical and vocational areas that require early exposure.
"For instance, if we want to produce more graduates in technical and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields such as engineering, the preparation cannot begin at the university level.
"It must start at the foundation, through science, technology and mathematics in school," he said.
Zambry said the government's plan to set up the National Education Council, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, would ensure policy alignment between the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry.
"The aim is to prevent having two separate blueprints, one for school-level education and another for higher education.
"With the council, the process will be seamless, from finishing school to entering higher education, whether academic or technical," he said.
He added that the Higher Education Ministry has already drawn up a 10-year higher education plan, which will need to be coordinated with reforms at the school level to ensure a smooth transition for students. |
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