A recent study comparing economic growth in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) member and non-member countries found cognitive skills of their populations a significant predictor of socio-economic success. It also found that inadequate education systems in low-SES communities perpetuate their status.

The socio-economic health of our nation therefore depends greatly on the maturity of our human capital. Good education is the key to our nation’s economic mobility and growth – it is the game changer and it increases our odds when competing regionally and globally. Despite the “Education for All” movement, there is still a large number of disadvantaged individuals who have no access to such opportunities and are finding it more difficult to break through the social strata. Without intervention to raise the intellectual levels of our population, how bright does our future look?

While the Malaysian government has invested significantly in education – 16% of its total spending which is above OECD average – the ROI is far from meeting expectations. The recent PISA results is the latest wake-up call as we find that Malaysia was ranked in the bottom third of 65 participating countries. More shockingly, the most privileged Malaysian students’ average score was found to be lower than the most under-privileged students from our neighbouring countries. It is no wonder that 78% of Malaysian respondents to the Randstad World of Work survey report expressed little or no confidence in our education system producing talent with relevant skills to compete in the workforce.

With the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2015, the government appears committed to closing educational gaps and preparing our talent to compete globally. It has identified eleven shifts to deliver outcomes envisioned by all Malaysians, with each shift addressing at least one of the five system outcomes: access, quality, equity, unity and efficiency.

While it appears promising on paper, what can the jaded Malaysian expect? Will we finally see returns on our investments? A wise man once said “The worst plan is the best plan not executed”; so only time will tell if this blueprint is the nation’s best or worst plan.

We will see a continuous failure in our education system to elevate our nation’s performance in global benchmarks if our country leaders continue to do the following:

• Embracing grand ambitions without sufficient support: Education Ministry seeks to improve teaching and classroom standards through qualified educators and technological aids. Nevertheless, is there any tangible and continuous support to equip and enhance educators’ professionalism, for instance, the much needed pedagogical skills that meet the diverse learning needs of all students?
• Talking without pressing the action button: Our Education Minister called for an equitable and inclusive education to promote access to schooling, as well as the acquisition of global mind-set in addition to basic numeracy and literacy skills. Sounds promising; but many are sceptical if consistent actions will take place to realise the plan.
• Implementing in the absence of systemic thinking: Students will soon have to carry their own electronic devices only to school in accessing the digital textbooks. It certainly takes the education system and learning experience to greater heights. Also, the Ministry is committed to deliver more technological devices to facilitate this plan. However, has the systemic impact – such as classroom distraction due to digital gaming – been considered?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” says Nelson Mandela. A successful nation depends on its people who are essentially shaped by education.