Malaysia to upgrade pondok education with TVET and AI skills
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need to balance religious studies with modern skills.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, assured that traditional religious teachings will remain unchanged.
However, the syllabus will now include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).
'We will not interfere with the existing syllabus of pondok institutions, but we will incorporate new components such as TVET and AI. It is not about changing the system, but to complement and enhance it with elements that reflect current demands,' he said during a meeting with Prime Minister's Department staff.
The move aims to ensure students gain both religious knowledge and practical skills for today's job market.
The government seeks to modernize pondok education without compromising its core values. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
16 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Shrinking population share a wake-up call for Indian community
Size matters in Malaysian power politics. Every government looks at the country's ethnic ratio when creating policies. Like it or not, population sizes will be a perennial consideration, being directly or indirectly related to votes. Racial politics has not abated in the six decades of independence from colonial rule but has been exacerbated by issues of religion, something likely to remain a key factor in the nation's future. This is why the Indian community reacted with alarm, both privately and on social media, when the statistics department recently released its projections for the nation's population and ethnicity ratio. In 2059, Malaysia's population is expected to reach 42.38 million. The ethnic composition is expected to shift. The Bumiputera population is projected to rise from 69% in 2020 to 79% in 2060, while the Chinese population will decline to 14.8% (from 23% in 2020) and the Indian population to 4.7% (from 6.7%). In absolute terms, there will be fewer Malaysian Chinese and Indians than there are now. The number of Chinese will drop from 7.3 million to 6.3 million in 2059 while the number of Indians will drop from 2.2 million to 1.9 million. Only the Bumiputera population will increase both in percentage and absolute numbers. This is inevitable. The Chinese community does not seem to be overly concerned, being self-dependent and economically stable, with many sending their children abroad for studies and possible migration after that. Build quality, not quantity The projections have raised an alarm among some in the Indian community of a greatly reduced bargaining power as the decades roll on. As a solution, a few even suggested that they should have more children. Really? Obviously, this is an emotional reaction that will not help the community's problems. Politicians may encourage this for political reasons and self gain, not to help the community. The projected decline in population should not be taken as a wake-up call to have more children, but to improve the community's overall quality in key areas. While government help is vital for many Indians in Malaysia, they should move away from being totally dependent on handouts. The reality is that the already small share of the pie for Indians will only become smaller. Instead of championing quantity, leaders should educate Indians to invest in education, which remains a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. This has been emphasised over and over again, but it appears that only a small group is taking this seriously. Forget class, clan, caste Indians should wake up from their deeply entrenched class, clan and caste struggles and learn from the Chinese community, which displays exemplary unity when it comes to the cause of education. The refusal among Indians to stop identifying themselves by sub-groups is a significant challenge. There are so many associations within the community based on clans, ethnicity and village origins in India. Instead of wasting so much time and energy on causes that split the community, they should instead pool their resources to help the community strengthen itself in the various fields. By fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose, the community can also present a stronger voice in political and economic matters even if their national percentage drops. Such unity can lead to better representation and inclusion in policy-making processes. Build for the future The community should foster a culture of entrepreneurship by nurturing and mentoring young individuals. This can lead to the emergence of new entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economy and create job opportunities within the community. Richer Indians are deciding to have small families, while the low-income and less able Indians seem to choose having large families – a trend that has led to social problems such as many youths indulging in drugs and alcohol, and a high number of school dropouts. Indian families and leaders should seriously address this disturbing trend. The number involved in violent crimes and drug pushing is apparently high for the smallest community in the country. The fact is that the community will inevitably be reduced to a super-minority one day. There will come a time when even their votes won't matter any more. Their voices may also be ignored. Under the circumstances, a life with dignity and a cleaner image will be the best way forward. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Malay Mail
42 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Madani framework remains grounded in strong moral values, national unity, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, July 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that Malaysia's development under the Madani framework remains grounded in strong moral values and national unity. Speaking at a 'Majlis Ilmu Madani' event with Islamic scholars at Kompleks Seri Perdana here yesterday, Anwar said that even though Malaysia is a multiracial country, the values of Islam are important in guiding its future. He added that while Malaysia wants to keep up with modern technology and move forward quickly, it should always stay true to strong morals and compassion. 'We need to progress. We need to ensure that there is peace and political stability, to craft an economic move forward at a faster pace, an accelerated pace. But at the same time, we are mindful of the fact that as Muslims, the issue of values is very pertinent,' he said. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Yusuf Islam, the British musician formerly known as Cat Stevens and Dr Shaykha Haifaa Younis, an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who is also a prominent Islamic scholar, were also present. On Gaza, Anwar said the world must not forget the pain and suffering endured by the Palestinian people amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Haifaa also shared her Gaza journey where the place transformed her into a more spiritual person and left an unshakable imprint on her heart. 'The ummah (the Muslim community) is going through a tough time. Gaza is bleeding. It hurts deeply when I raise my hands to Allah, I know everyone is doing their best, but still I ask, what more can we do. 'They (people in Gaza) taught me patience. They taught me how to trust Allah, even when the world around you is falling apart. I saw people who did not know when the next bomb would fall but they still prayed,' she added. Meanwhile, Quran expert Syeikh Dr Ahmad Aissa Hassan El-Ma'sarawi said the Madani knowledge gatherings held by Anwar every month should continue because it is similar to the practice of leaders during the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs who made their homes available for the people to listen to knowledge gatherings. The scholar, who delivered a tausiyah (religious guidance) in Arabic and translated by Mohd Na'im, also advised Muslims to continue to adhere to the Quran and obey the commands and prohibitions as stated in the holy book. 'When we return to the Quran, Allah will protect us and we will be successful people,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
42 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar to broker ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia in Putrajaya today
PUTRAJAYA, July 28 — A meeting between the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia is expected to be held here today to discuss a ceasefire between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the negotiation will be held here at 3pm. 'They (government representatives of Thailand and Cambodia) have asked me to try and negotiate a peace settlement, so we are hosting it tomorrow at 3pm here. 'So, I'm discussing the parameters, the conditions but what is important is immediate ceasefire,' he said at a 'Majlis Ilmu Madani' here last night. Anwar said he is expected to chair the negotiation between the representatives of the two countries including the conditions submitted by both parties. Anwar said the discussion between the two leaders came about after US President Donald Trump urged them to find a solution to the crisis. Apart from that, he understands China also contacted both parties to cease the conflict. He also said that a team from Malaysia and maybe some from neighbouring countries are set to monitor the discussion to ensure it is executed well. 'So, within our means, we try our best and Alhamdulillah, we are given that confidence and respect and they are of course our close friends, our neighbours, and we work together. 'And I hope this can work. We have to work again to ensure the parameter is aligned. The Foreign Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working throughout the night to make sure everything is clear, because it's not easy, you know, when shooting and fighting are going on. 'So although it's not as bad as many other countries, we have to put a stop because I've always taken pride in the fact that Asean is still the most peaceful region in the world and fastest growing economy in the world,' he said. Earlier, it was reported that the Thai government had confirmed it would attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday to discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia. Thai Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said the purpose of the talk is to listen to proposals that may lead to informed decisions and ultimately restore peace. — Bernama
