Malaysia’s Ministry of Education (MOE) is preparing to roll out a new subject next year that aims to shape not just the minds, but also the character of students.
Photo via Kosmo!
Called Pendidikan Karakter, the subject will focus on building strong moral values, personality, and emotional resilience among students. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that preparations for the subject’s introduction are already underway, starting from the preschool level.
According to Kosmo!, Fadhlina explained that Pendidikan Karakter will serve as a key foundation of the upcoming 2027 School Curriculum, which places equal emphasis on academic achievement and character development. The move reflects the ministry’s broader vision of producing students who are both intellectually capable and grounded in good values.
“The aim is to create balanced individuals who not only excel in their studies but also uphold strong ethics and empathy,” she said.
Beyond academics, the MOE is also stepping up efforts to address students’ mental health. Fadhlina shared that schools conduct mental health screenings twice a year to identify students who may be struggling emotionally. Those showing signs of depression or distress will be referred to professionals, including specialists from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“Interventions through psychiatrists are already in place, but with the upcoming reforms, these efforts will be further strengthened with additional training and immediate support programmes,” she explained.
Fadhlina also highlighted the importance of parental involvement, stressing that emotional well-being begins at home. “Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children’s mental health remains stable and supported,” she added.
The introduction of Pendidikan Karakter marks a significant shift in Malaysia’s education philosophy — one that values emotional intelligence and moral strength just as much as academic success.
