Malaysia’s education system is set for a significant change as the Ministry of Education (MOE) introduces a new subject called Pendidikan Karakter, starting next year. The initiative, announced by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, aims to strengthen students’ moral foundations, personal development, and emotional intelligence from an early age.
Image credit: Bernama
Shaping character beyond the classroom
Fadhlina explained that the subject will first be implemented at the preschool level before expanding to all schooling stages. Serving as a cornerstone of the upcoming 2027 School Curriculum, Pendidikan Karakter seeks to balance academic excellence with moral and emotional growth.
“This will serve as the foundation of the new curriculum beginning in 2026. It focuses on values, morals, and personality, which are already exist in our current system but will be reinforced further,” she said.
Emphasizing real-life values
Unlike Pendidikan Moral, which focuses primarily on ethical principles and civic duties, Pendidikan Karakter places greater emphasis on applying these values in everyday life. It encourages traits such as empathy, honesty, resilience, and kindness, aligning with the ministry’s vision to produce well-rounded and emotionally intelligent students.
Image credit: Farhan Najib
Strengthening mental & emotional well-being
In addition to character education, the ministry is also prioritizing mental health support in schools. Fadhlina revealed that regular mental health screenings are carried out twice a year to identify students in distress, with those showing symptoms of depression or emotional difficulties referred to the Ministry of Health for professional assistance.
“Schools cannot bear this responsibility on their own. Parents are equally important in fostering their children’s mental and emotional well-being,” she added.
Through Pendidikan Karakter, the ministry hopes to nurture a new generation of students who are not only academically capable but also compassionate, balanced, and grounded in strong moral values, preparing them for both life and learning.
Follow Wah Piang for more updates.
