Malaysia wants young people to be confident communicators in both Bahasa Melayu and English. While English lessons are an important part of that, learning a language also means having opportunities to use it in everyday situations, whether that's talking to friends, taking part in school activities or expressing an idea in class. So, how can we make these everyday opportunities count, and ensure that children from different backgrounds get the support they need to become confident bilingual communicators? To discuss this, we speak to academic lecturer Noor Azmira Amran from the English Language Teaching Centre, or ELTC, under the Ministry of Education Malaysia. 

Malaysia wants young people to be confident communicators in both Bahasa Melayu and English. While English lessons are an important part of that, learning a language also means having opportunities to use it in everyday situations, whether that's talking to friends, taking part in school activities or expressing an idea in class. So, how can we make these everyday opportunities count, and ensure that children from different backgrounds get the support they need to become confident bilingual communicators? To discuss this, we speak to academic lecturer Noor Azmira Amran from the English Language Teaching Centre, or ELTC, under the Ministry of Education Malaysia.&nbsp;

Building Confident Bilingual Communicators

When we think about education, we often think about primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and examinations. In doing so, we often forget one of the most important components of the entire system: preschool.

Preschool is not just preparation for school, it is the foundation for how a child thinks, feels, relates to others, and learns for life.

Recognising this, the Ministry of Education has introduced Prasekolah 2026, a major reform aimed at strengthening early childhood education by focusing not just on academics, but on holistic development. 
In this episode, we speak to Sarina Salim, Senior Deputy Director, Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education. 

When we think about education, we often think about primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and examinations. In doing so, we often forget one of the most important components of the entire system: preschool.Preschool is not just preparation for school, it is the foundation for how a child thinks, feels, relates to others, and learns for life.Recognising this, the Ministry of Education has introduced Prasekolah 2026, a major reform aimed at strengthening early childhood education by focusing not just on academics, but on holistic development. In this episode, we speak to Sarina Salim, Senior Deputy Director, Curriculum Development Division, Ministry of Education.&nbsp;

Here’s How the Government is Transforming Preschool Education in Malaysia

How do we spotlight an important cause like Breast Cancer Awareness while also championing and encouraging women to take on empowering sports? In collaboration with the Malaysian Golf Association, the Swing for Pink event, happening on the 25th of September at the Mines Resort & Golf Club aims to do just that. We learn more about the event with Dato’ Merina Gan and spotlight its cause, raising awareness for the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre Breast Cancer Resource Centre. 

How do we spotlight an important cause like Breast Cancer Awareness while also championing and encouraging women to take on empowering sports? In collaboration with the Malaysian Golf Association, the Swing for Pink event, happening on the 25th of September at the Mines Resort &amp; Golf Club aims to do just that. We learn more about the event with Dato’ Merina Gan and spotlight its cause, raising awareness for the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre Breast Cancer Resource Centre.&nbsp;

Spotlighting Swing for Pink

In an age where the job market is constantly shifting and careers are being redefined by technology, what does it really mean to prepare students for the future? That question sparked the launch of the Sunway Signature Collection — an ambitious reimagining of how higher education could better serve both students and society. We speak with Professor Chai Lay Ching, Sunway University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni), to find out what this transformation looks like, and why it matters.

In an age where the job market is constantly shifting and careers are being redefined by technology, what does it really mean to prepare students for the future? That question sparked the launch of the Sunway Signature Collection — an ambitious reimagining of how higher education could better serve both students and society. We speak with Professor Chai Lay Ching, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/">Sunway University</a>'s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education, Employability and Alumni), to find out what this transformation looks like, and why it matters.

Reimagining Higher Education For A Changing World

How are young people responding to the challenges of climate change, demographic shifts, and frontier tech? In celebration of World Children’s Day and UNICEF Malaysia’s 70th anniversary, we explore the 2024 State of the World’s Children report and hear how youth are finding their voices in a rapidly changing world. Plus, we look at how UNICEF is working with them to build the future they envision.

How are young people responding to the challenges of climate change, demographic shifts, and frontier tech? In celebration of World Children’s Day and UNICEF Malaysia’s 70th anniversary, we explore the 2024 State of the World’s Children report and hear how youth are finding their voices in a rapidly changing world. Plus, we look at how UNICEF is working with them to build the future they envision.

Reimagining the Future of Children with UNICEF

With the healthcare industry evolving at a rapid pace, Sunway University’s Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School is aiming to create future-ready doctors equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in modern medicine. From addressing physician shortages to integrating technology and sustainability into medical education, we explore how this program aims to shape the future of healthcare in Malaysia with Professor Sibrandes Poppema, the President of Sunway University, and Professor Dr Raja Affendi, the Dean of the School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University.

With the healthcare industry evolving at a rapid pace, Sunway University’s Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School is aiming to create future-ready doctors equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in modern medicine. From addressing physician shortages to integrating technology and sustainability into medical education, we explore how this program aims to shape the future of healthcare in Malaysia with Professor Sibrandes Poppema, the President of Sunway University, and Professor Dr Raja Affendi, the Dean of the School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University.

A Future-Ready Medical Program at Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School

Artist Angelo Chia’s new exhibition, Value. Elements. Prospective. Impromptu, offers a fresh look at the foods we consume, especially the durian, often considered the 'King of Fruits.' Through abstract yet lifelike watercolour paintings, Angelo explores the theme 'we are what we eat,' presenting fruit as a mirror to our identities and shared cultural heritage. Angelo joins us to discuss his creative process, and his personal connection to these works, being exhibited at AweGallery.



Image credit: Angelo Chia

Artist Angelo Chia’s new exhibition, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB5mqW2JS1l/?hl=en">Value. Elements. Prospective. Impromptu</a>, offers a fresh look at the foods we consume, especially the durian, often considered the 'King of Fruits.' Through abstract yet lifelike watercolour paintings, Angelo explores the theme 'we are what we eat,' presenting fruit as a mirror to our identities and shared cultural heritage. Angelo joins us to discuss his creative process, and his personal connection to these works, being exhibited at AweGallery.Image credit: Angelo Chia

Value. Elements. Prospective. Impromptu

What are the key reforms needed to take our education system into the future? In this forum, we gathered policymakers, education experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on curriculum innovation, the integration of technology, strengthening STEM education, and enhancing access to early childhood and vocational training. How can we achieve the country's goal to align Malaysia's education system with global standards, and prepare future generations for the demands of the 21st century, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision? Our guests, Yang Berusaha Tuan Zainal Abas, Deputy Director General of Education Malaysia (School Operations Sector), Ministry of Education Malaysia and Datin Haryati Binti Mohamed Razali, Deputy Director, Educational Planning and Research, Ministry of Education Malaysia join BFM’s Sharaad Kuttan to outline the priority areas in education transformation, as identified by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

What are the key reforms needed to take our education system into the future? In this forum, we gathered policymakers, education experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on curriculum innovation, the integration of technology, strengthening STEM education, and enhancing access to early childhood and vocational training. How can we achieve the country's goal to align Malaysia's education system with global standards, and prepare future generations for the demands of the 21st century, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision? Our guests, Yang Berusaha Tuan Zainal Abas, Deputy Director General of Education Malaysia (School Operations Sector), Ministry of Education Malaysia and Datin Haryati Binti Mohamed Razali, Deputy Director, Educational Planning and Research, Ministry of Education Malaysia join BFM’s Sharaad Kuttan to outline the priority areas in education transformation, as identified by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

2024 BFM CEO Forum: Malaysia’s Education Reformation

We speak to Professor Sibrandes Poppema, the President of Sunway University, to discuss a pivotal year for the university as it hosts its third major academic gathering of 2024, the AppliedHE Xchange - Recognising Excellence, Diversity and Impact. This event follows the Planetary Health Summit, and Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit, reinforcing Malaysia's prominence on the global education map. Together, we'll explore how hosting such high-profile summits helps advance Malaysia’s standing as an education hub, the impact of global and regional rankings on Sunway’s strategy, and its commitment to lifelong learning and diversity in higher education. Professor Poppema will also share insights into what sets the AppliedHE Xchange apart and how it aims to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation across Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape.

We speak to Professor Sibrandes Poppema, the President of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/">Sunway University</a>, to discuss a pivotal year for the university as it hosts its third major academic gathering of 2024, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://appliedhe.com/appliedhe-xchange-sunway/">AppliedHE Xchange - Recognising Excellence, Diversity and Impact</a>. This event follows the Planetary Health Summit, and Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit, reinforcing Malaysia's prominence on the global education map. Together, we'll explore how hosting such high-profile summits helps advance Malaysia’s standing as an education hub, the impact of global and regional rankings on Sunway’s strategy, and its commitment to lifelong learning and diversity in higher education. Professor Poppema will also share insights into what sets the AppliedHE Xchange apart and how it aims to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation across Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape.

Inside Sunway University’s Push for Global Education Impact

Aishah Zainal is a 27-year-old author from Ipoh. Her novel Hades, which is set in a world of low-cost flats and centers around the relationship between a troubled teen and a single mother, was longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2024. We speak to her about her novel and her journey.



Image Credit: Dublin Literary Award

Aishah Zainal is a 27-year-old author from Ipoh. Her novel Hades, which is set in a world of low-cost flats and centers around the relationship between a troubled teen and a single mother, was longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award 2024. We speak to her about her novel and her journey.Image Credit: Dublin Literary Award

Aishah Zainal, Malaysian Author Longlisted For Dublin Literary Award

As the saying goes, something new every day. Listen to thought-provoking conversations with people who have something to share about their lives, about what connects heart, mind and soul, and values, culture and traditions.

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