[PRESS RELEASE] - Malaysian Education Monitor

The findings from the Malaysian Education Monitor study reveal that:
•    Fewer than half of Malaysians rate the education system positively
•    Unequal access remains Malaysia’s biggest education barrier
•    Malaysians are more sceptical about technology in education
•    Most Malaysians back social media ban for children, split on smartphone usage
•    Malaysians more open to AI in school than other mature markets
•    Instead of technology, Mental Health tops Malaysian youth concerns 

Arun Menon, Managing Director, Ipsos Malaysia mentions:  
“The Ipsos Education Monitor, covering 30 countries, finds public confidence in education is weak worldwide — and Malaysia is no exception. Fewer than half rate the system positively — among the lowest across markets. Unequal access, poor infrastructure and limited technology are the key barriers, placing Malaysia closer to regional peers than to mature markets. This calls into question the 13th Malaysia Plan proposal to lower primary school entry age to 6 years old. The real priority is equal access, modern infrastructure and a safe digital environment.

Technology is a double-edged sword. Only one in four Malaysians believe it will improve education, echoing global doubts. Seven in ten support banning social media for under-14s, while parents remain split on smartphones, often seen as a safety lifeline. Malaysians are more open to AI in schools, aligning with emerging markets while mature economies remain cautious. The government’s move to ban smartphones in schools for under-13s matches public sentiment. But devices are only part of the story — the bigger risk is content, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must do more to safeguard children online.

Yet beyond these debates, one issue rises above all: youth mental health. Malaysians see it as the top challenge facing the young generation — ahead of bullying and digital pressures, and at far higher levels than the global average.

Malaysia’s education reform must focus on three priorities: equal access, safe technology and stronger mental health support. Only then can the Ministry of Education, MCMC and NGOs build resilience and opportunity for the next generation.”