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KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 -- Digital literacy should take precedence over blanket restrictions on technology use, as teenagers need the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex online environment safely and responsibly, parents said. Moms Village Asia founder and mother of two, Vatsala Nair Manoharan, said teenagers need more than restrictions. They require guidance on issues such as consent, cyberbullying, online predators, scams and healthy digital boundaries to use technology safely and confidently. "Restricting access alone does not build resilience. Equipping young people with digital literacy, critical thinking, and support systems creates safer, more responsible online communities," she said at a digital safety training organised by Tatler for Malaysian parents, in collaboration with Content Forum, Pocket of Pink, The Inner Lynk and TikTok, recently. Parent of four, Su Yen Pang, shared a similar view, saying children should be guided to develop sound values and accountability rather than be shielded entirely from technology. "Exclusion is not protection. Instead of shielding children entirely from technology, we should educate and empower them to navigate it responsibly. “By guiding them to think critically, make wise decisions, and use social media with awareness, we prepare them for a future shaped by artificial intelligence (Al) and innovation," Su said. Echoing the sentiment, entrepreneur and mother of two, Elizabeth Thea, shared that her views on children’s use of social media had evolved after learning more about digital safety measures and the importance of open communication. She said online safety is best achieved through education, empowerment and shared responsibility, adding that digital literacy and critical thinking are essential for helping young people navigate online spaces with confidence. “While age-appropriate safeguards are important, young people also need opportunities to develop digital literacy, critical thinking, and resilience. By equipping parents, educators, and children with the right knowledge, tools, and support, we can help them navigate the digital world safely and confidently," she said. Sharing similar insights, Chief Operating Officer of Rizman Ruzaini, Nurida Suraya, said digital platforms have become an integral part of how young people learn, communicate and express themselves, making parental engagement increasingly important. "What I found meaningful about features like TikTok's Family Pairing is that it encourages parents and teens to communicate more openly and understand each other's digital habits better. “Sessions like this are also very important because they help raise awareness and encourage more honest conversations around online safety, digital wellbeing, and responsible social media use within families," said. Founder and Clinic Director of the Inner Lynk, Gianina Ginnie Kon, said fostering a sense of community is also an important aspect of supporting young people’s digital wellbeing. "Having to have the sense of community, where they can meet people who have relevant or relatability with them when it comes to the things that they enjoy doing, like interests and also values,” she said. The event concluded with a shared consensus among attendees that fostering open conversations and maintaining honest communication at home remain the most critical tools to help young users feel safe speaking up about cyberbullying, misinformation, or uncomfortable experiences they encounter online. -- BERNAMA 

Digital Literacy Key To Building Resilient, Responsible Youth – Parents

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Digital literacy should take precedence over blanket restrictions on technology use, as teenagers need the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly complex online .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, reaffirmed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a key driver in producing a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a technology-driven economy shaped by innovation and artificial intelligence (AI). He said this while officiating the 2026 National TVET Instructors and Accredited Centre Managers Conference, a platform that brought together TVET instructors and accredited training centre managers from across the country to strengthen Malaysia's TVET ecosystem. Ramanan said that as Malaysia navigates the era of the Digital Revolution and AI, TVET must continue to evolve to produce a workforce equipped not only with strong technical competencies but also with the ability to lead high-growth, high-value industries that will shape the nation's future economy. "TVET instructors play a crucial role in developing the skilled workforce that will drive Malaysia's progress. The success of TVET depends on our ability to empower educators, strengthen institutions, and foster close collaboration with industry," he said. During the event, Ramanan also witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Department of Skills Development (JPK), Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), and Belia Mahir International TVET Sdn. Bhd. He said the strategic partnerships would create more training opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, nurture industry-ready talent, and enhance the employability of TVET graduates in line with future industry demands. Ramanan also launched the JPK Internationalisation Action Plan 2026–2030, describing it as a strategic initiative to strengthen global recognition of the Malaysian Skills Certification System. He said the action plan would expand international collaboration while positioning SkillsMalaysia as a globally recognised and trusted brand for skills certification. According to Ramanan, empowering instructors, strengthening TVET institutions, and expanding collaboration with industry are essential steps towards building a more advanced, competitive, and high-income Malaysia. He also expressed his appreciation to the entire TVET community for their unwavering dedication and commitment to producing quality human capital that will continue to drive the nation's development. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Ramanan Launches JPK Internationalisation Action Plan to Strengthen TVET’s Global Standing

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Minister of Human Resources, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, reaffirmed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a key driver in producing a highly .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 -- The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is offering a total prize of almost RM500,000 to 106 winners of the Prime Bonanza Draw Campaign to reward depositors who choose the national education savings scheme Simpan SSPN Prime. In a statement today, PTPTN announced that the campaign will run from today until Oct 31 and features two draw categories -- Platinum and Gold. Under the Platinum category, the grand prize is a Jaecoo J7 2WD PHEV, followed by RM50,000 cash for second place, RM30,000 for third place and 50 consolation prizes of RM1,000 cash each. For the Gold category, participants stand to win a Proton X50 Flagship as the grand prize, followed by RM30,000 cash for second place, RM10,000 for third place and 50 consolation prizes of RM500 cash each. According to PTPTN, depositors only need to open an account or top up their savings during the campaign period, with every net savings of RM100 in Simpan SSPN Prime earning 10 draw entries. “Users who make deposits through the myPTPTN application, salary deductions or direct debit facilities will receive double entries — 20 draw entries for every RM100 of net savings,” the statement said. PTPTN added that accounts must remain active without any withdrawals or transfers during the retention period from Nov 1, 2026, until Jan 31, 2027. PTPTN Chief Executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid said the campaign reflects the organisation’s appreciation for depositor loyalty while encouraging Malaysians to cultivate early savings habits in preparation for their children’s higher education expenses. Meanwhile, PTPTN also announced that Ahmad Dasuki recently presented prizes to the grand winners of two previous campaigns — Lun Ying Chian, winner of the WOW! Simpan SSPN Plus 2026 Draw under the WOW! Plus Series 1 category, and Heaw Zi Bin, winner of the New Slay! SSPN Slay Draw under the Slay 1 category. The grand winner of the WOW! Plus Series 1 category received RM20,000 in cash, while the winner of the Slay 1 category took home a Yamaha NVX 155 motorcycle. Simpan SSPN offers several benefits, including income tax relief of up to RM8,000 annually, takaful protection for depositors, a free Matching Grant of up to RM10,000 per eligible family, competitive dividend returns, government-guaranteed savings and Syariah-compliant features. Additionally, under the Geran Padanan Ihsan (GAPAI) initiative announced in Budget 2025, students pursuing studies at Higher Education Institutions (IPT) from families earning between RM4,000 and RM6,000 monthly are now eligible to apply for a Matching Grant of up to RM5,000 per family. More information on Simpan SSPN is available via PTPTN’s official portal and the myPTPTN application. -- BERNAMA

PTPTN Offers Nearly RM500,000 In Prizes Through Simpan SSPN Prime Bonanza Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is offering a total prize of almost RM500,000 to 106 winners of the Prime Bonanza Draw Campaign to .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the first National Education Council (MPN) Meeting for 2026, reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing bold and meaningful reforms to strengthen Malaysia's education system from schools to higher education. During the meeting, discussions centred on improving the quality of education at the district level, strengthening the Bumiputera education agenda, and developing a comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent pipeline to meet the nation's future workforce demands. Anwar said the National Education Council was established not merely to make incremental adjustments but to drive transformative changes that would ensure Malaysia's education system remains relevant in an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global landscape. He stressed that education reforms must include continuous improvements to educational content and curriculum while enhancing English language proficiency as a second language, without compromising the importance of the national language, cultural values, moral education and the principles of Malaysia MADANI. "The National Education Council was created not merely to make adjustments, but to drive bold and meaningful changes so that our education system remains relevant to the demands of the times," he said. Anwar added that the government remains committed to objectively evaluating the country's education system by taking into account the views, expertise and recommendations of educators, academics, industry players and other stakeholders. He said such an inclusive approach would ensure that every policy and initiative undertaken genuinely prepares future generations with the knowledge, skills and values needed to navigate future challenges. The Prime Minister also cautioned against complacency, saying that satisfaction with the existing education system should never become an obstacle to national progress. Instead, he urged all stakeholders to embrace change, foster innovation and work collectively to elevate the quality of Malaysia's education system to greater heights. The meeting reflects the MADANI Government's ongoing commitment to building a future-ready education ecosystem capable of producing highly skilled, competitive and values-driven Malaysians. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Chairs National Education Council Meeting, Calls for Bold Reforms to Future-Proof Malaysia’s Education System

PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired the first National Education Council (MPN) Meeting for 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing bold and meaningful reforms to .... read more

GEORGE TOWN, June 29 -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has said its performance in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 should be assessed in line with the rating’s specific methodology, which measures universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rather than being directly compared with other university ranking systems. USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Abdul Rahman Mohamed said the Sustainability Impact Ratings are not a general assessment of overall university excellence, but instead evaluate institutions based on their impact across the SDGs, including research, teaching, governance, institutional operations, partnerships and community engagement. He said comparisons with other global ranking systems, such as the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings or QS World University Rankings, are not appropriate, as each framework has different objectives, indicators, weightings and methodologies. “A ranking should be interpreted based on what it measures, not merely on figures or headlines,” he said in a statement. Abdul Rahman said USM’s position among the world’s top five universities in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, as well as its leading placement in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, should be seen as recognition of its high-impact initiatives delivered in collaboration with strategic partners, communities, industry, government and international networks. He said USM welcomed public debate on higher education, university excellence and global ranking systems, but stressed that discussions must be guided by facts, methodological understanding and proper context. Constructive criticism, he noted, should be encouraged in an informed society as it enables higher education institutions to reflect, strengthen accountability and enhance their contribution to the nation. Abdul Rahman stressed that USM does not view any single ranking as an absolute measure of university excellence, but rather as one of several international benchmarks that help identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement and enhance societal impact. “What matters most is how universities continue to demonstrate their value through quality education, problem-solving research, meaningful innovation, competitive graduates, integrity-driven governance and strategic collaborations that support national development,” he said. He added that the true strength of a university lies not only in its position in rankings, but in the extent to which its knowledge, research, expertise and values benefit students, society, industry, the nation and the wider world. -- BERNAMA 

USM Defends Specific Methodology, Impact-based Assessment In The Sustainability Ratings

GEORGE TOWN, June 29 — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has said its performance in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 should be assessed in line with the rating’s specific methodology, .... read more

BATU PAHAT, June 24  -- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Suria Jaya here is expected to commence operations in September after the Ministry of Education (MOE) handed over the school project under a Certificate of Partial Occupation (CPO) yesterday. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek expressed appreciation to the project management team, consultants, relevant government agencies, utility providers and contractors for their commitment in ensuring the successful completion of the school project. “God willing, the school will begin operations in September 2026. This reflects the MOE's strong commitment to ensuring that our children continue to learn in a conducive environment and that our teachers are able to serve with a deep sense of dedication to education,” she said in a Facebook post today. She said quality facilities would undoubtedly help guarantee a more inclusive educational environment. “Finally! Under the MADANI Government, it has been completed,” she said. -- BERNAMA 

SMK Suria Jaya Expected To Begin Operations In September

BATU PAHAT, June 24 — Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Suria Jaya here is expected to commence operations in September after the Ministry of Education (MOE) handed over the school project .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, June 23 — Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan today launched the MADANI Furniture Initiative and the Kalvi MADANI Programme, reaffirming the government's commitment to investing in the future of Malaysian children through quality education. The launch ceremony was held at SJK(T) Jalan Yahya Awal in Johor Bahru and was attended by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, representatives from 71 Tamil national-type schools (SJKT), school administrators, Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG), parents and students. Speaking at the event, Ramanan said education remains the most valuable investment in shaping the future generation and ensuring social mobility for all Malaysians. “Through education, children are given the opportunity to transform their lives, build confidence and create a brighter future. The MADANI Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains committed to ensuring no child is left behind in accessing quality education,” he said. Ramanan announced that a total allocation of RM20.8 million has been approved for the implementation of the two initiatives, which are expected to directly benefit students from the Indian community nationwide. Under the MADANI Furniture Initiative, 361 Tamil national-type schools across the country will receive upgraded furniture and classroom facilities aimed at creating a more comfortable and conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, the Kalvi MADANI Programme will provide free tuition classes, nutritional support, learning kits and digital device assistance to help improve students’ academic performance and overall learning experience. In addition, Ramanan announced ICT Equipment Assistance in the form of Smartboards for 140 Tamil schools, further strengthening access to digital learning and supporting the government's efforts to accelerate educational digitalisation. He said the initiatives reflect the MADANI Government’s determination to translate commitments into meaningful action for the benefit of students and communities. “The MADANI Government is not merely listening to the needs of the people but is actively implementing solutions to ensure every Malaysian child has an equal opportunity to succeed,” he added. The programmes are expected to significantly enhance learning conditions and educational outcomes for thousands of students in Tamil schools nationwide. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Ramanan Launches MADANI Furniture Initiative and Kalvi MADANI Programme to Strengthen Tamil School Education

JOHOR BAHRU, June 23 — Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri R. Ramanan today launched the MADANI Furniture Initiative and the Kalvi MADANI Programme, reaffirming the government’s .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 23 -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recommended that schools implement immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health problems to ensure their welfare and safety are maintained. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that apart from the role of schools, parents also need to provide support to their children in dealing with the issue. "We carry out mental health screening interventions, then the empowerment of school counselors is also given attention." "(If) there are any signs of these (mental health problems), the school counsellor must intervene immediately," he said at a press conference after the launching ceremony of the MADANI Furniture Initiative and the MADANI KALVI Programme at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Jalan Yahya Awal, here today. He said this in commenting on the issue of a female Form Four student who died at a secondary school in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, last Friday. In October last year, Fadhlina said the Ministry of Education doubled the implementation of the Healthy Mind Screening Programme to twice a year to enable early detection of students who show signs of depression or require further support and intervention. Meanwhile, he said the Safe School Management Guidelines and School Student Protection Policy introduced by the Ministry of Education are mandatory for all school administrators to implement without any compromise. He said the effort was one of the steps taken by the ministry to ensure that all issues related to student safety continue to be given priority. On June 12, Fadhlina was reported to have said that the guidelines would serve as a reference for all educational institutions under the Ministry of Education, encompassing the responsibilities of schools, teachers and stakeholders in ensuring that the welfare and safety of students is protected. -- BERNAMA

Mental health: Immediate intervention for at-risk students – Fadhlina

JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 23 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) has recommended that schools implement immediate interventions for students identified as showing signs of mental health problems to ensure their .... read more

IPOH, June 23 -- The Perak State Education Department (JPN) is fully cooperating with police in the investigation into an incident involving a Form One student who was reported to have fallen from a building at a school yesterday. In a statement today, JPN Perak said that besides assisting the police investigation, it had also initiated an internal inquiry to examine all aspects related to the incident. “The student is currently receiving treatment in hospital. We pray for his speedy recovery and for his family to be granted strength and patience in facing this difficult situation. “JPN Perak has taken the necessary measures to ensure the student’s family receives appropriate welfare assistance and support. Psychosocial assistance has also been extended to members of the school community affected by the incident,” the statement said. The department also urged the public to allow the authorities to conduct their investigation and to respect the privacy and sensitivities of the family during this challenging time.  The 13-year-old student was reported to be in critical condition after allegedly falling from a building within the grounds of the school.  The victim was subsequently taken to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital for further treatment. -- BERNAMA

Perak Education Dept Cooperates Fully With Police Into Student Fall

IPOH, June 23 — The Perak State Education Department (JPN) is fully cooperating with police in the investigation into an incident involving a Form One student who was reported to .... read more

ARAU, June 22 -- Interest among school leavers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to grow, with more students now choosing polytechnics as their preferred pathway for further studies. Higher Education Ministry (KPT) secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim said the trend reflected growing public confidence in the industry-based and hands-on learning approach offered by polytechnics. “This time, many students have chosen polytechnics and we are very encouraged by the increase. Polytechnics offer advantages through greater industry involvement, hands-on learning and exposure to skills required after graduation. “These are among the positive values we can offer our young people,” he told reporters after observing the registration of new students at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Polytechnic (PTSS) here today. Aminuddin said PTSS had recorded more than 1,000 new student registrations on the first day of intake, exceeding its target for the current admission session. Meanwhile, he said polytechnics nationwide had made thorough preparations, including accommodation, classrooms and basic facilities, to ensure new students could adapt comfortably to campus life. -- BERNAMA 

More School Leavers Opting For Polytechnics, Says Ministry Sec-gen

ARAU, June 22 — Interest among school leavers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to grow, with more students now choosing polytechnics as their preferred pathway for .... read more