History and Development of Education Management in Malaysia

Abstract

Education management in Malaysia has a long and complex history, reflecting the nation's cultural diversity and evolving social dynamics. Situated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia's education system has been shaped by its colonial history, ethnic diversity, and changing national development policies over time.

In the early stages, Malaysia's education system was heavily influenced by colonial powers, particularly the British and Portuguese, resulting in a system divided along ethnic and religious lines. Following independence in 1957, Malaysia undertook educational reforms to align with its vision for national development. These reforms focused on unifying the education system and promoting education that is neutral in terms of ethnicity and religion.

Today, Malaysia prioritizes improving the quality of education to meet the demands of globalization and to prepare its population for global competitiveness. Current educational policies emphasize continuous development in primary, vocational, and higher education, aiming to enhance the potential of youth and support the country?s economic and social growth.