LONDON: Malaysia's development plan for education, as laid out in the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025, is in line with the direction of the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) vision, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid in London last night.
Addressing 100 attendees during a dialogue session with Malaysian students and members of the community at Malaysia Hall last night, Mahdzir also imparted the latest updates on the Malaysian education system - from its 2017 budget, to the current stage of its transformation.
"Malaysia, as a Unesco executive board member, is also committed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations in its 2030 agenda which calls for all children to have access to quality education. SDGs will also then be the continuity link from the (education) Blueprint towards TN50.
"Year 1 pupils in schools today, who will turn 40 in 2050, will be instrumental in TN50's success,” he said.
Mahdzir said teacher quality issues are among the ministry's focuses, and this must be addressed first to ensure a successful journey for these pupils and the generation that follows.
During the event, Mahdzir also encouraged students who are currently studying overseas to share ideas with his ministry on achieving a globally-shaped education section.
Mahdzir is currently in London to attend the Education World Forum (EWF) 2017, a global seminar for education ministers running from Jan 23 to 25.
He will deliver a speech on early childhood development at the EWF tomorrow. Last year, he spoke about new policies for developing life and vocational skills.
The forum this year is attended by 81 education ministers and other experts, educators and policy makers representing more than 97 countries, who will debate future education policies.
Themed "Teaching, testing, talent and technology", EWF 2017 will explore issues in a series of keynote debates, ministerial exchanges and plenary sessions.
On Wednesday, Mahdzir will also give a speech on Malaysia's Education Ambition at the annual British Educational Training and Technology Exhibition (BETT), a leading learning technology event that runs concurrently with EWF.