A commitment to closer bilateral cooperation in the fields of innovation and education was among the leading outcomes of a visit to Kuala Lumpur from a delegation led by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in late July. International cooperation is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s strategy of becoming a developed economy by 2020, Mah Siew Keong, minister in the prime minister’s department, said during…
The latest development plan in Malaysia has placed human capital at its core, setting ambitious objectives to improve professional training and education as the country works towards a broader vision to join the ranks of developed economies by 2020. Under the 11th Malaysian Plan (11MP), unveiled on May 21st by Prime Minister Najib Razak, a series of policy initiatives have been launched with the aim…
As Malaysia strives to achieve developed-nation status by 2020, the education sector is undergoing detailed improvement and development. Having launched its first blueprint in 2011, the Ministry of Education has recently drawn up plans for new reforms at all levels, in line with the country’s long-term development plan, the Economic Transformation Programme, which identifies education as one of 12…
Recently ranked among the top countries in the world for medical services, Malaysia boasts a strong health care sector backed by government investment and engagement with the private sector. A February 2014 review by International Living, a travel journal, gave Malaysia 95 out of 100 points for quality of care and expertise of practitioners. With that score, the country came in third, behind only France…
Interview:Idris bin Jusoh How will the Education Blueprint 2013-25 help to address the gap in soft skills for primary and secondary graduates, particularly for English? IDRIS BIN JUSOH: In order to deliver the changes outlined under the blueprint, 11 different shifts will need to take place. Proficiency in English has been set as one of the six student aspirations. The ability to speak English…
Just as low-cost airlines helped broaden access to air travel in South-east Asia, Malaysian entrepreneurs now see a unique opportunity to provide quality health care to all citizens in ASEAN and beyond. One of the most ambitious and far-reaching projects in this sector is the proposed International Medical Campus (IMC) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). “This project is envisioned to include…
Universities in Malaysia have been given a key role in government plans to raise the country to developed-nation status by 2020. However, much more investment will be necessary if higher education institutions are to meet the targets the state has set. According to government figures, one-quarter of all Malaysians aged 18-24 are taking part in some form of higher education, a level of participation…
Malaysia’s GDP per capita is the highest in South-east Asia, with the exception of smaller countries like Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, reaching $10,548 in 2013 based on a GDP of $307.25bn and a population of almost 30m. The country produces 39% of the world’s palm oil and 44% of its exports, and increasing global demand for the commodity bodes well for the industry. Malaysia has seen its s
The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-25 was launched in September 2012 and is now implementing phase one, which runs to 2015. With a solid foundation to build on, the government is eager to raise education standards and broaden access in conjunction with the goals it has set for 2020. Two key elements of this are foreign direct investment and collaboration from private institutions. For Malaysia to…
Universities in Malaysia have been given a key role in government plans to raise the country to developed-nation status within the decade, but more investments may be necessary if higher education institutions are to meet the targets that have been set by the state. According to government figures, 25% of all Malaysians between the ages of 18 and 24 are taking part in some form of higher education,…