JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 8- Johor is set to implement a single-session school system by 2030, in alignment with the Ministry of Education Malaysia's (KPM) initiative.
Johor's State Education and Information Exco, Aznan Tamin, stated that the state government has endorsed this policy, believing it will enhance the effectiveness of education in Johor.
Currently, only 204 out of the 1,194 primary and secondary schools in Johor are still operating under the two-session system, with both morning and afternoon shifts. In contrast, 990 schools have successfully adopted the single-session model.
"We are grateful that Johor is the state with the highest number of new schools, with 18 new schools announced in the most recent budget. This will aid in transitioning to single-session schools in Johor, and we are pleased to be able to move forward with it. The single-session system will help students concentrate better on their studies without the fatigue of attending two sessions," Aznan told reporters today.
He was speaking during the launch of the MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH Skills for AI-Enabled Economy Program at the Johor State level.
Aznan added that streamlining school sessions would benefit not only students but also simplify management for both the state government and parents.
In addition, Johor is planning a collaboration with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen AI education in the state.
Aznan revealed that discussions were held with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and university representatives during a recent working visit to Dubai.
His office is also working with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), a key player in AI education in Johor, to make this vision a reality.
Last November, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first AI-focused university, would collaborate with local universities to advance AI technology in Malaysia.
Additionally, Johor’s government plans to integrate AI skills and applications into public services, aligning with the Johor Sustainable Development Plan 2030. This initiative is expected to help develop a highly skilled workforce, benefiting local communities, including those in rural areas, through training at all 101 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) across Johor.