Revive UPSR, more emphasis on STEM, says DAP advisor

Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has called for the revival of the UPSR examination at primary level since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the National Education Plan 2026-2035 tomorrow.

He also called for more emphasis on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) education under the new blueprint.

“At a minimum, UPSR should be revived to measure the progress made by students after 6 years of primary education. Examinations are one of the hallmarks and yardstick of academic performance and barometer of sustained excellence,” he said in a statement.

“When PMX announces the 10 year national education blueprint 2026-2035 tomorrow, the necessary reforms must not only ensure the PISA rankings measuring the basic skills in reading maths and science of our 15 year olds improve but also promote STEM education to produce sufficient number of engineers and scientists to master new technology and AI.

“We cannot continue to lag behind even Vietnam in PISA scores and the output or density of engineers. There can be no compromise of standards constrained by emotional rhetoric devoid of facts, data and knowledge,” added the DAP national advisor.

“Malaysians are hopeful that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh can carry out the painful education reforms that justifies its huge budget of RM66.2 billion and pushes Malaysia to new heights of success.”