Enhance Teaching Methods to Align With AI Development, Says Mahdzir

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Former Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has called for improvements in teaching methods to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

Mahdzir said that while Malaysia’s education system remains on the right track, teaching approaches must evolve to remain relevant in today’s learning environment.

“When I was the Education Minister, we laid a strong foundation for the national education system. However, with the emergence of AI, teaching methods must be adapted to ensure they remain effective and meaningful,” he said.

He was speaking as a panelist at the National Education Roundtable Discussion 1.0 (RIMBUN 1.0) 2025: Reforming the Education System in the AI Era and Empowering the Teaching Profession, held at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here today.

Mahdzir also expressed support for proposals to reinstate national-level examinations such as the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), arguing that doing so would help maintain academic standards and student excellence.

While acknowledging the value of School-Based Assessment (PBS) and co-curricular evaluation, he said at least one national examination should be kept for students between Year One and Form Four.

“School-based assessments and co-curricular activities are important, but I firmly believe there should be at least one national examination to evaluate students’ overall performance,” he said.

The RIMBUN 1.0 programme was organised by Pemuda UMNO and also featured former Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom and Machang UMNO Youth chief Datuk Mohd Sharizal Semsuddin, who is also a former teacher, as fellow panelists.