THE RECENT ISSUE of candidates failing to attend national examinations has sparked significant debate. 10,160 out of the 383,685 registered candidates for SPM 2023—or 2.64% of them—did not show up for the exam.

Coming from a background that prioritises academic achievement, I recognise that education is a basic necessity and higher education a privilege. But, while it is widely understood that education is the key to opening doors, the questions remain: which doors, exactly, and who decides their placement?

Malaysia’s education system faces a dual challenge: the issue of school dropouts on the one hand, and an overly exam-oriented mindset among students on the other. These two phenomena, though seemingly distinct, stem from the same cause: an education system that places undue emphasis on examinations.

The School Dropout Problem

School dropout rates are a significant concern in many countries. Students leave school for various reasons, including economic hardships, family issues, lack of interest in the curriculum and inadequate support systems. The consequences are dire: dropouts often face limited job opportunities and lower lifetime earnings.

One core reason for high dropout rates is the disconnection between the school curriculum and students’ lives. When students fail to see the relevance and value of what they are learning, their motivations wane. Additionally, socio-economic factors play a critical role. Students from low-income families might prioritise work over education to support their families. Furthermore, schools often lack resources to provide personalised attention to students who are at-risk, making it easier for them to slip through the cracks.

An Exam-Oriented System

In stark contrast to dropouts, students who want to do well in the Malaysian education system, where high-stakes testing determines academic and professional futures, find themselves entrenched in an exam-oriented culture. The pressure to achieve high scores can overshadow the intrinsic value of learning, reducing education to a series of hurdles to overcome rather than an enriching journey, conditioning students to view gaining knowledge as a competition.

This exam-centric approach can lead to several negative outcomes. It encourages rote memorisation and regurgitation of information over critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills, jeopardising a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter. This focus on grades also causes significant stress and anxiety, on top of creating a limited understanding of success and achievement in students.

That is not to say that a good education system removes all stress—I believe that healthy competition and learning to perform under pressure is beneficial for character development; but, like other life skills, students should also learn to manage stress and pressure alongside academic learning.

Bridging the Gap: Promoting a Love for Knowledge

The way a nation’s education system transmits and structures knowledge—influencing how students acquire, digest and generate ideas—shapes its people. Consider, for example, how the top museums in the world are curated: systematically, informatively and with effective storytelling, leaving visitors more informed by the end of their visit.

To address school dropout and the array of problems brought about by an exam-centric system, the education system must shift towards fostering a genuine appreciation for knowledge as well as integrating skills-based education into the curriculum to develop a broader range of abilities in students. Having a curriculum that is engaging and relevant to students’ lives is crucial.

Moving away from purely exam-based assessments to a more holistic approach can reduce the pressure on students and encourage a deeper engagement with the material, while integrating practical applications of theoretical concepts can help students understand the value of what they are learning.

Teachers play a crucial role in fostering a lifelong passion for learning. Encouraging intellectual curiosity and promoting a growth mindset can help students appreciate the learning process rather than fixate on the outcomes. Educators should focus on inspiring students to ask questions, explore new ideas and embrace challenges.

Such an approach not only reduces dropout rates, but also ensures that students are well-rounded individuals prepared for the complexities of the real world. After all, the ultimate goal of education should be to cultivate a generation of learners who value knowledge and are motivated by the joy of discovery rather than the pressure of achieving high scores.