Latest news with #FadhlinaSidek
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Education access must go beyond just physical infrastructure
PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry is actively working to ensure that access to education reaches every student, particularly those in rural and remote areas, said its minister Fadhlina Sidek. In her keynote address at the launch of the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative today, Fadhlina said the effort should not be viewed solely from the perspective of infrastructure provision, but must instead take into account educational needs in a holistic manner. She also said that the ministry recognises the significant challenges many children face at home, including food insecurity, which makes the role of schools even more crucial in shaping their futures. "There are children who return home without the certainty of having a proper meal. "These are the realities we face, and they remind us that schools must not only be seen in terms of infrastructure, but also as holistic spaces for the development of our children," she said. Present at the launch of the initiative were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Fadhlina added that the ministry is exploring various innovative approaches, including the implementation of floating schools, specifically to provide access to education for children in areas such as Tasik Banding, Perak. She also said that some students in these areas are unable to attend school due to geographical challenges and the high cost of transportation. As such, she said the ministry's priority remains bridging the education gap, ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers. "The cost of getting to school can reach up to RM30 a day for a single student. "This situation places a heavy burden on families and causes some children to drop out. If they are unable to come to school, then we must bring the school to them," she said. Fadhlina added that the initiative is part of the ministry's new approach to ensuring more inclusive access to education that reflects the actual needs of local communities. "We are identifying the best model and require the support of all parties to ensure the programme can be implemented effectively," she said. She also said education should be seen as more than just physical infrastructure and should be regarded as a comprehensive support system for student development, encompassing welfare, character building and personal growth. "We are not just building schools. We are building the future of these children, and that is what truly matters," she said.
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Almost 1,000 Schools Selected For MADANI School Programme
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, June 20 (Bernama) -- Nearly 1,000 schools have been selected for the MADANI Adopted School Programme, implemented in collaboration with around 117 private companies, aimed at addressing the educational gap across the country. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the MADANI Adopted School initiative reflects the government's belief that quality education is a shared responsibility. "By combining the expertise of the government and private sectors, this programme aims to ensure that no student is left behind. "Initially, we only targeted 500 schools, but we see the commitment and feel it would be unfair if we do not invite the bodies (companies) that have long focused on our schools," she said during her speech at the launch of the MADANI Adopted Schools by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Fadhlina said that the organisations adopting the foster schools have committed to long-term cooperation focusing on five main areas, namely improving school infrastructure and facilities; enhancing academic programmes and student guidance; strengthening teacher training and development; providing financial assistance and scholarships; and developing students' character and skills. "Therefore, the focus is not only on one segment but more broadly, while the overall development of the school not only includes infrastructure development but also human development is given attention," she said. Meanwhile, according to a Ministry of Education (MOE) statement, through the MADANI Adopted School Programme, organisations with extensive resources are matched with schools that need support. The support received includes contributions from 32 private companies, 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), 29 government agencies, and 27 companies owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The statement said that each organisation selects a foster school based on its capabilities and the specific needs of the school.
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PM: Sekolah Angkat Madani goes beyond mere CSR
PUTRAJAYA: The public-private collaboration under the Sekolah Angkat Madani initiative goes beyond conventional corporate social responsibility (CSR), but reflects a deeper commitment to compassion and nation-building. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative, joined by four government-linked investment companies (GLICs), namely Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan Petronas, Yayasan UEM and Yayasan TM, aims to uplift educational opportunities for underserved communities. The initiative, he said, reflects a shared commitment among various stakeholders towards advancing a more inclusive and compassionate national agenda, as corporations, civil servants and local communities join forces to strengthen education in selected schools across the country. "This collaboration goes beyond CSR. We are talking about compassion when they take on the responsibility to build this nation together and ensure that no one is left behind. "There is no point in talking purely about impressive growth and investment figures if we choose to neglect the poor and the marginalised. "We want to see large companies going to schools, engaging with students, introducing themselves, and inspiring these young minds with the meaning of success and how education can change their lives. "This, to me, is a remarkable feat, and could only happen with the full support of ministries, particularly the Education Ministry, the Public Service Department and our committed teachers," he said in his keynote address during the launch of the initiative today. Present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The initiative is a continuation of the government's commitment to driving a whole-of-nation approach to narrow the education gap. The initiative focuses on five core pillars, namely improving school infrastructure and facilities; academic and student mentoring programmes; teacher training and professional development; financial aid and scholarships; as well as character-building and skills development initiatives. To date, around 1,000 schools nationwide have been selected to participate in the programme, with the involvement and support of 32 private companies, 29 government-linked companies (GLCs) and GLICs, 29 government agencies, and 27 companies owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The initiative is also being implemented in collaboration with the Education Ministry, alongside the Finance Ministry, focusing on addressing fundamental school needs such as toilet repairs, provision of science labs, academic mentoring, and student character development. Anwar said the original concept began with Kampung Angkat Madani, which provided funding of up to RM100,000 for each village. The concept was later expanded to schools, following an overwhelming response from corporate and GLC stakeholders, he said. "From the initial 300 schools, we increased the number to 500. Now, we have managed to reach over 1,000 schools, thanks to the encouraging response from many large, responsible companies. "As such, I would like to thank the chief secretary (Shamsul Azri) and the teachers for embracing this initiative. "Teachers have not only accepted it, but are also open and willing to adopt new approaches for the benefit of their students," he said. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, urged corporate leaders who contribute to the initiative to personally visit their adopted schools at least twice a year to motivate and directly engage with the students. "If chief executive officers and general managers come down, introduce themselves, and speak about their company's operations, the children will be inspired. "We want students in rural schools to know that they, too, have the right to dream big," he said. Anwar also acknowledged that educational challenges remain in remote areas, including issues related to basic facilities, student attendance, teacher availability, and infrastructure maintenance. He expressed hope that close cooperation between the government, corporate sector, and communities could be strengthened to ensure no one is left behind in the national education development agenda. "This is the true spirit of Madani. We build the nation not just with investment figures and profits, but with hearts full of responsibility and love for the future of our children."
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Relook and strengthen special education needs in schools
EDUCATION Minister Fadhlina Sidek recently revealed that over 44,000 children are currently receiving special education services, with more than 3,700 integrated into mainstream classrooms through inclusive education programmes. These numbers also hint at the thousands more who may still be undiagnosed, unsupported and unseen. The stigma surrounding special educational needs (SEN) remains a formidable barrier in Malaysia. But denial delays intervention and, in the case of SEN, early support can make all the difference. Teachers are often the first to notice when a child struggles with attention, communication, or learning. Yet when they raise concerns, they are sometimes met with resistance. Not because parents don't care, but because accepting a diagnosis feels like accepting defeat. Hard to believe that someone who sees your child for a few hours a day might understand them better than you do. Even harder to imagine your child being labelled, judged, or left behind. So, how do we move forward? We start by building trust. Schools must become safe spaces not just for students, but for parents, too. Workshops, support groups and open-door policies can help families feel less alone. Educators must approach these conversations with empathy, not authority. The Education Ministry must continue to invest in inclusive infrastructure, as it has pledged under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which includes 50 new special education projects nationwide. We urge the government to step up the effort and introduce avenues for more tailored support systems, including emotional counselling and individualised teaching methods. A compelling recent example comes from the Global Inclusive School Forum held by Unesco in March 2024, which spotlighted Portugal as a standout model of inclusive education. Portugal's approach is exemplary, with every school expected to adapt its teaching methods, curriculum and environment to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Portugal's policies are grounded in equity and supported by legislation, teacher training and community engagement. The country's inclusive education framework aligns with the principles of the 1994 Salamanca Statement, and its success has been documented in Unesco reports as a benchmark for other nations striving to leave no learner behind. Malaysians must stop treating SEN as taboo and start treating it as a reality and one that, with the right support, can lead to thriving futures.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Mandatory preschool plan set for 13MP
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says the government plans to make preschool education compulsory to curb early student dropout, as part of the country's wider education reform agenda. She said the policy to make preschool education mandatory can no longer be delayed, despite challenges with infrastructure and teacher shortages, as it is key to improving the quality of the nation's education system. "We already have the compulsory primary education policy, which we consider a success in achieving universal enrolment. Then, we have the upcoming secondary school education policy, which I am confident will bring significant benefits by ensuring children have access to secondary education. "However, we want to start even earlier by making preschool education compulsory," she said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia. Fadhlina said the policy to make preschool education compulsory will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), once infrastructure and curriculum are in place. The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030. Fadhlina also said the education ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030. "This, in turn, will create more space to conduct preschool classes," she said. Fadhlina said one of the special projects at the ministry involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. "Pupils will be screened before entering the mainstream stream so that schools can identify whether they have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other special needs — making it easier to customise classes accordingly," she said. Fadhlina said classes for children with special needs will be extended to the preschool level to meet rising demand. While the compulsory secondary education policy is being tabled in Parliament, the preschool policy is being finalised, she said. Malaysia's education policy aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education that develops well-rounded individuals and prepares students for global challenges.
