Malaysia tops regional writing assessment

2026-03-26 - 10:00

The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics assessment involved 4,379 pupils from 158 primary schools. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Malaysian students scored the highest in reading in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) 2024, with 21% of pupils reaching the highest achievement band compared with the regional average of 5%. The education ministry said Malaysian pupils achieved an average score of 480.1, which is 29.2 points above the regional average. The other countries involved in SEA-PLM 2024 were Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam. In a statement, the education ministry said the results reflected strong critical thinking skills among pupils, including their ability to develop content, understand context, and express ideas effectively in writing. However, gaps remain in achievement across socioeconomic groups, gender, and language use at home and in school. SEA-PLM 2024 assessed Year Five pupils in four domains – reading, mathematics, writing, and global citizenship. In Malaysia, the assessment involved 4,379 pupils from 158 primary schools, including national schools, Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, Orang Asli schools, government-aided religious schools, and private schools. The results for reading and mathematics were announced last December. In a Facebook post, education minister Fadhlina Sidek thanked school administrators, teachers, and parents for working together tirelessly to ensure this success. “This achievement will undoubtedly serve as motivation for us to continue improving the quality of the nation’s education system,” she said.