Experts call for focus on teacher training in Budget 2026 education spending

As Malaysia continues to invest in education, experts say it’s time to shift the focus from infrastructure to empowering teachers. Professor Wan Chang Da from Taylor’s University emphasized that teacher training and professional development are often overlooked, despite being crucial for improving learning outcomes.

While next year’s education budget includes RM115 million for teacher training, particularly for the 2027 curriculum and STEM, Wan questioned whether this would be enough to prepare all teachers. He noted that most funds are still directed towards infrastructure and operational costs, rather than improving the teaching workforce.

Vincent D’Silva, president of the Johor English Language Teaching Association, agreed, highlighting the need for teachers to receive specialized training to adapt to digital and AI advancements. He also pointed out that teachers are restricted from engaging with external training providers not endorsed by the ministry, limiting their growth.

Ahmad Asri Khalbi, a media consultant and parent, added that teachers face mounting pressures, from adapting to new technologies to managing student well-being. He suggested allocating more funds for professional development and mental health support, as well as fostering partnerships between schools and the private sector to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real world.

Ultimately, experts argue that investing in teachers is investing in the country’s future, as empowered teachers lead to better schools, which in turn drive national progress.