- Character development to be integrated into daily classroom lessons.
- Focus on moral values, emotional strength, and social skills.
- Teachers to receive training and parents urged to support the initiative.
Malaysia’s Education Ministry (MoE) will roll out a new character development initiative in 2026, embedding moral and emotional learning directly into daily classroom lessons. The move aims to nurture students who are not only academically strong but also emotionally balanced and socially responsible.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the initiative will not add a new subject to the curriculum. Instead, teachers will dedicate time within existing subjects to carry out character-building activities that help students practise moral values and emotional awareness in real-life situations.
“This is an important step in shaping our children’s character. We want them to grow with strong values, self-discipline, and empathy”, she said during the ‘Wacana Fikrah Siddiq Fadzil Seminar’ in George Town.
The program will begin with preschool students next year, expanding gradually to Year One and higher levels. Lessons will include interactive discussions, role-play, and reflective exercises to help students internalise values like honesty, respect, and teamwork.
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To ensure smooth implementation, the ministry will provide special training and guidance for teachers nationwide. Parents are also encouraged to reinforce these values at home to complement the classroom approach.
The initiative marks a major step in aligning Malaysia’s education system with global goals for holistic student growth, preparing future generations with academic knowledge, emotional intelligence, and strong moral foundations.
