THE formation of the National Education Council (Majlis Pendidikan Negara – MPN) will offer a renewed impetus to Malaysia’s education landscape through a cross-ministerial approach to policy development, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) integration, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Zambry confirmed that the council’s establishment was discussed in a committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Friday morning.
“The MPN will serve as the country’s highest strategic platform to coordinate policies and implementation across all levels of education, from preschool to higher learning,” he said.
“This move will enable ministries beyond the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) to plan and coordinate programmes related to education, including those linked to AI.”
Speaking to the media after officiating the National Academia Day and Month celebration at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Dr Zambry said the council would introduce dedicated clusters for inter-ministerial planning.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration with ministries such as the Ministry of Digital to ensure AI is approached not only as a technological tool but as a transformative force in education.
“Artificial intelligence is shaping new perspectives in the education world. Globally, nations are not just competing with AI; they are redefining their educational outlooks because of it,” he said.
“Although we may view AI as merely a tool, it has already created a new dimension in education. Therefore, the government will be reviewing and reshaping general studies subjects at university and other levels to ensure curriculum alignment.”
Dr Zambry also welcomed USIM’s proactive efforts in AI development and encouraged the institution to explore its integration through a syariah-compliant lens.
The event at USIM was also attended by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Sharifudin Md Shaarani, and senior leaders from Malaysia’s higher education sector. - October 3, 2025
