What skills do young Malaysians want their children to gain?

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Young Malaysians Prioritise STEM Skills for Children's Education

Nearly 90 per cent of young Malaysians surveyed expressed a strong desire for their children to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The preference is for these foundational skillsets to be acquired during formal schooling rather than through later workforce upskilling. This sentiment emerged from a survey that polled 2,709 respondents, comprising 55.92 per cent millennials and 44.08 per cent Gen Z, to gauge perspectives on various aspects of the Madani government's performance over its first two years.
Strong Preference for Early STEM Development

The survey data clearly indicates a significant majority, close to 90 per cent of young Malaysians, envisioning a future for their children deeply rooted in STEM fields. This inclination suggests a forward-looking perspective on the skills most valuable for future career success and national economic development, particularly as the country aims to transition towards higher-value job creation.
Schooling Over Workforce Upskilling

A key finding from the report is the preference for developing crucial STEM skillsets within the school system. Respondents favoured their children gaining these competencies through structured academic programmes from an early age, rather than expecting them to acquire them through on-the-job training or subsequent upskilling initiatives after entering the workforce. This highlights a belief in the foundational importance of formal education in building a robust STEM foundation.
Mixed Views on the Current Education System

Despite the strong aspirations for STEM education, participants held a less optimistic view of Malaysia's current education system. Approximately 40 per cent of respondents rated the system as "average." A further 30 per cent described it as "poor" or "very poor," indicating significant dissatisfaction. The remaining respondents indicated that the system was faring well, suggesting a divided opinion on its overall effectiveness.
Government Education Reforms and Future Outlook

In response to evolving educational needs, the current administration has implemented notable education reforms since November 2022. These include making secondary education compulsory for all Malaysian children. Furthermore, an announcement was made regarding a new pre-school and Year One enrolment policy, with children set to begin pre-school at age five and opt for Year One at age six, starting in 2027. These measures signal an intent to strengthen the educational framework for future generations.

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What skills do young Malaysians want their children to gain?

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