Early childhood education reform and long-term strategic planning will form the backbone of the Ministry of Education’s agenda in 2026, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the upcoming school year represents a turning point, as schools resume a January academic calendar while simultaneously introducing major policy changes.
Fadhlina said the ministry’s top priority is the implementation of a new preschool curriculum, which will be rolled out a year earlier than initially planned.
“The preschool curriculum is foundational. What children learn at this stage shapes their entire educational journey,” she said.
The curriculum update is expected to modernise teaching approaches in preschools, focusing on developmental readiness rather than rote learning.
Alongside this, MOE will unveil a new Education Development Plan in January, outlining reforms and policy directions for the national education system.
The plan will focus on strengthening governance, improving teaching quality, enhancing student outcomes and addressing disparities between urban and rural schools.
Fadhlina stressed that the success of these reforms depends not only on policy design, but also on effective implementation and community support.
She was speaking during the Ceria ke Sekolah programme in Bandar Tun Razak, which aimed to assist families preparing for the new school session.
At the event, 800 students received school-related aid, while approximately 5,000 students in the constituency are expected to benefit overall.
Fadhlina said such programmes play an important role in supporting parents during the start of the school year, when expenses typically increase.
“These efforts are part of our responsibility to safeguard children’s education and ensure they begin the school year with confidence,” she said.
Bandar Tun Razak MP Wan Azizah Wan Ismail also addressed the event, describing the initiative as an expression of shared care for vulnerable families.
She thanked ERM Foundation for its sustained support of educational initiatives and underprivileged students.
ERM Foundation founder Xin Er said each student received RM300 in assistance, alongside school supplies, and expressed hope that the programme would continue annually.
