Education in Johor: Key Changes, Challenges, and Future Developments Bangsa Johor Schools Initiative (Launching Feb 17, 2025) Johor is set to launch its first Bangsa Johor pilot schools, focusing on STEM education and English proficiency. Over 200 teachers have received specialized training in Singapore to enhance learning quality. The selected pilot schools include: • SMK Kota Puteri 2 & SK Kota Puteri 4 (Pasir Gudang) • SMK Tasek Utara & SK Tasek Utara (Johor Bahru) The state government aims to produce graduates with strong scientific knowledge and fluency in English to improve their competitiveness in the global job market. This initiative aligns with Johor's long-term vision of modernizing its education system and preparing students for industries that require high-level technical and communication skills. The program is expected to expand to more schools in the future if successful. Additionally, teachers who underwent training in Singapore's National Institute of Education have been equipped with new methodologies to improve student engagement and academic performance. Crackdown on Unregistered Private Islamic Institutions The Johor government has issued a strong warning to unregistered Private Islamic Educational Institutions (IPIS), emphasizing that operating without proper registration is an offense under the Control of Islamic Religious Schools Enactment (EPSAI) 1991. • As of now, 229 Islamic educational institutions in Johor are fully registered with the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ). • However, another 247 institutions are known to be operating without completing the registration process. Authorities have urged all institutions to comply with regulations to ensure proper management, adherence to Islamic teachings, and student welfare. The government is also increasing enforcement measures and inspections to prevent unregistered schools from continuing operations without proper oversight. For institutions facing delays in the registration process, the government has introduced an expedited registration system to help them complete the necessary requirements. Institutions that fail to comply may face legal action, including possible closures. SPM Absenteeism in Johor: Over 900 Students Skipped Exams A concerning trend has emerged in Johor, where more than 900 students failed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. A key reason behind this absenteeism is that some students have chosen to enter the workforce early, particularly seeking jobs in Singapore, where an SPM certificate is not required for many low-skilled positions. Education officials have expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of this trend, as it could limit students' career growth and earning potential. In response, the Johor government is taking several steps to address the issue: • Strengthening career counseling programs in schools to highlight the benefits of completing secondary education. • Expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs as an alternative pathway for students who are not academically inclined but still need formal certification for better job prospects. • Collaborating with parents to raise awareness of the importance of education and discourage early workforce entry. The Johor Talent Development Council is also working on initiatives to provide mentorship and guidance for at-risk students, ensuring they receive the support needed to complete their education. Transition to Single-Session Schools by 2030 The Johor government has announced a plan to phase out two-session schools and implement a single-session system by 2030. • Currently, 204 schools in Johor, primarily in Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang, still operate in two sessions due to high student density. • The goal is to improve school management, student learning experiences, and efficiency by consolidating sessions into one. To achieve this, the government is working closely with the Education Ministry to: • Construct new school buildings to accommodate more students in a single session. • Expand existing school infrastructure to reduce overcrowding. • Improve transportation and scheduling systems to adapt to the new structure. A single-session system is expected to benefit both students and teachers by providing more time for co-curricular activities, reducing student fatigue, and allowing better classroom management. The transition will be implemented in phases, starting with schools that have the capacity to move to a single session without major infrastructure expansion. Johor Strengthens AI Education with UAE Partnership Johor is making strides in artificial intelligence (AI) education through a strategic collaboration with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This initiative is part of a broader effort to position Johor as a regional hub for AI education and innovation. The key goals include: • Providing advanced AI training for students and educators. • Connecting Johor to global research networks in AI. • Encouraging the development of AI-based industries in Johor. With AI playing an increasingly significant role in industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, this collaboration will help Johor’s workforce stay ahead in the digital economy. The partnership also includes plans for AI research centers, which will focus on developing AI-driven solutions for various sectors. Additionally, the government is working on introducing AI-related subjects in schools and universities to equip students with essential coding, machine learning, and data science skills from an early stage. The Johor government continues to prioritize education reforms, aiming to provide better learning environments, increase student retention, and enhance future job prospects. These efforts align with Johor’s broader vision of becoming a hub for quality education and technological advancement in Malaysia.