00:00 For the launch of the Wacana Global Committee 2024, 3, 2, 1
00:09 Now we are not here to deny the fact that we have achieved
00:20 formidable growth, unity, certain level of education
00:31 that can be seen to be rather competitive in the region.
00:35 But we look at the bare facts, some of these that is concerning.
00:43 Let us refer to the latest Paisa report.
00:47 Now Paisa is of course not the compelling case to ascertain the level of success.
00:58 But it is a measure.
01:00 Out of 81 countries selected in the Paisa analysis,
01:10 we are number 51, low one third in terms of achievement particularly mathematics, science and English language.
01:22 Among the 7 ASEAN countries, 7 ASEAN countries, you are the worst off.
01:30 There is no reason whatsoever given our resources and the level of achievement in the past, we have gone this way.
01:42 The standard excuse is because of COVID-19.
01:45 Now COVID-19 impacted on all these countries, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore.
01:54 Why is it we have failed in this goal?
02:03 These are questions that we must ask before we embark on discussing the future.
02:11 You must know the state of our affairs and cannot be in the state of denial.
02:17 Of course we have to take note of the successes, yes.
02:22 But we must also commit ourselves to embarking upon this reform agenda.
02:31 I will start with the news that is not as good as the Paisa report.
02:37 But this is also related to other things.
02:44 The question of TIMSS, the question of Intradigital, the question of the future curriculum, the question of pre-school,
02:54 in all these categories we are left behind.
02:57 Therefore, with the new Minister of Education, I have moved to look at the pre-school system again.
03:07 If we say that 80% of the students are pre-school students, with different categories,
03:14 maybe 40% are good, the rest are mediocre, and around 20% are very weak.
03:23 So it is not up to 50%.
03:26 In a short time, make sure that this year, 2024,
03:31 we provide additional facilities so that the opportunities for pre-school are managed by the Ministry of Education,
03:43 which means providing facilities to all students in our country.
03:49 Now, for the benefit of Jeffrey Sachs, I will say, once we need to undertake major reform,
03:56 including education, higher education, we have to take stock of the stark realities of the gross inequality.
04:05 A ministry has to plan ahead.
04:09 Implementation means the next few years.
04:14 We are left behind years, compared to some countries, a decade.
04:19 Most countries, five years.
04:21 And we can't plan and start implementing in 2027.
04:27 I want at least some measures, some form of implementation to be undertaken now, this year.
04:36 No excuse.
04:38 We talk about artificial intelligence.
04:40 We have small funds, outside the budget, to start with one faculty.
04:49 But I would certainly encourage universities to expand that program.
04:55 I've instructed even the Ministry of Higher Education.
04:57 The ministry must give some space,
05:03 and to allow for universities to decide their priorities, inform the ministry and proceed.
05:10 And the old form of bureaucracy for the ministry to decide on behalf of the universities must end.
05:25 Now, I'm suggesting this plainly because of the urgency,
05:34 and recognizing the fact that in some areas, and particularly in the Paisa report, to me it's very disturbing.
05:41 If we use a normal pace, we will be left behind.
05:47 So please, be assured, you can use this forum, and criticize the Prime Minister, or our policies.
05:56 You shouldn't feel that you'll be under threat.
06:02 Of course, I would say don't use this forum to incite racial hatred and religious bigotry.
06:10 But other than that, you are free.
06:12 Because I think the country requires a new culture of healthy exchanges and intellectual discourse.
06:24 So I hope this can be touched upon and encouraged by our friends,
06:32 because it shows that the future certainly needs some changes.
06:37 Thank you.
06:39 [end]
Comments