PM launches RPN 2026-2035 to elevate national education quality

PUTRAJAYA, 20 January 2026 – The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, launched the National Education Plan 2026–2035 (RPN) themed ‘Driving the Leap of National Education’, which encompasses the Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026–2035 and the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035.

The plan marks an important step in efforts to build a nation grounded in humanity and driven by the goal of enhancing the quality of education for the well-being of the people and the progress of the country.

The launching ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, Minister of Higher Education, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, and Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Fadhlina Sidek, and members of the Cabinet.

According to the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, who was present at the programme, UMPSA fully supports the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035 as the foundation for transforming national higher education.

“Through the development of high-performing talent, the empowerment of advanced TVET, and leadership in the sustainability agenda, UMPSA is committed to producing holistic graduates who are globally competitive for a sustainable future.

“At the university level, RPTM will be aligned with the implementation of the UMPSA Strategic Plan 2026–2030 (UMPSA30) as the main foundation for transforming national higher education, with ten strategic shifts outlined.
“Meanwhile, eight announcements by the Prime Minister will have an impact on the national education agenda,” she said.

She said that the first is a guarantee of places in public universities for outstanding students; the second, free education for students with disabilities involving 3,000 persons with disabilities (PWD) in public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges.

“Third, an additional 1,500 places for courses in public universities, and fourth, free education for students from extremely poor families.

“This free education involves 10,000 students in the poor category through assistance from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), compared to approximately 5,800 hardcore poor students through the previous budget.

“With 10,000 places provided for poor students to study at university without payment, parents and children need not worry as the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is marginalised in accessing education up to tertiary level is realised,” she explained.

In addition, the Form Six and Matriculation Programme will now be placed under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) starting in 2027, an additional 5,000 student accommodations by GLIC, and the strengthening of General Studies (MPU) subjects and TVET will also be intensified.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Rusllim Mohamed.

Also present were the former President of the Students’ Representative Council (MPP) UMPSA, Muhammad Haykal Halid, who is also the President of the National Student Consultative Council (MPPK) session 2024/2025, and the President of MPP, Adam Al-Wafiy Muhammad Zailani, together with other MPP members.

By: Mimi Rabita Haji Abd Wahit, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Ts. Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press