Question

Discuss four achievements of Malaysia in delivering the education roadmap with an appropriate example (Education roadmap: refer to Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025), page 8-8 until 8-9, under Wave 2 (2016-2020): Accelerate system improvement)

Answer 1

The Malaysian education system will need to undergo a complete transformation if it is to meet the ambitious aspirations set out in this
Blueprint. This is a task of great complexity in both breadth and depth, particularly given that most education system reforms around the
world have fallen short of their aspirations. Of the 55 school systems that took part in PISA 2000, only 12 have managed to demonstrate
improvements in student outcomes over time—the rest either stagnated, or fell behind. This track record is not dissimilar to that of
corporations undergoing major transformations only one third is successful. The Ministry has carefully reviewed international and national
evidence to identify what the Ministry would need to do differently to deliver significant, sustainable, and widespread results. Based on
this research, the Government and the Ministry are committed to the following actions:

▪ Sustaining leadership commitment and focus at the top :
Top Government and Ministry leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, are committed to regularly
reviewing progress, providing guidance, and resolving issues with regard to the Blueprint. The Ministry leadership is also committed
to identifying, cultivating and developing the leadership capabilities of the next generation of system leaders to ensure continuity and
consistency of the transformation efforts.

▪ Establishing a small, high-powered delivery unit to drive Blueprint delivery: The Ministry has established the Education Performance and Delivery Unit (PADU) to drive delivery of all Blueprint initiatives across the Ministry and schools. Specifically, PADU will monitor progress, problem-solve implementation issues with the responsible officers, and manage communication with stakeholders with regard to the transformation. PADU will draw from both the public and private sector to secure the best talent available.

▪ Intensifying internal and external performance
management: Successful school reforms go beyond programme design to dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
the Ministry of Education itself. As such, the Ministry will establish a performance management system that sets high expectations of individuals through clear KPIs. This system will invest in capability building to help individuals achieve their targets, reward strong
performance, and address poor performance without creating a culture of blame. The Ministry will also publish performance results annually so that the public can track progress on the Blueprint.
▪ Engaging Ministry officials and other stakeholders: The Blueprint development process was unprecedented in its attempt to
engage and secure the input of the rakyat and the system’s biggest constituents: parents, students, teachers, principals and Ministry
officials. As the Blueprint initiatives are rolled out, the Ministry will continue to solicit feedback from these parties and will regularly communicate progress to ensure that the entire education system is engaged in the transformation process.