Starting Year 1 at six aligns with global trends, promotes holistic student development, says Sibu MP

SIBU (Jan 24): The move to allow children to begin Year 1 at the age of six, beginning from next year, is in line with global trends and practices in neighbouring countries.

In pointing this out, Sibu MP Oscar Ling viewed the policy as not an innovation, but a step taken to keep pace with developments elsewhere, noting that countries such as Singapore had already enrolled children into Year 1 at age six.

“The policy reflects a modern global trend in view of population ageing, where countries need to nurture productive human capital more quickly.

“Graduating earlier and entering the workforce earlier is one of the nation’s directions,” he said at the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) 2026 presentation at SMK Bawang Assan here on Friday.

On student assessment, the parliamentarian said academic results should not be the sole measure of achievement.

“Student development should be evaluated holistically, with academic performance being only one component.

“Some students excel academically, while others are more inclined towards technical and vocational skills.

“Therefore, student development is multi-dimensional, and schools should not use academic results as the sole benchmark.

“In this regard, the Education Ministry has abolished Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3), and has also stated that both examinations will not be reinstated,” said Ling.

On SMK Bawang Assan, he noted that it was among the larger schools in the Bawang Assan area and expressed hope that its performance would continue to improve.

On BAP 2026, he gave assurance that the RM150 assistance would be enjoyed by every student, regardless of background, or whether they were in government or private schools.

Adding on, Ling said the government was also gradually implementing the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), including formulating standards to enable Chinese independent school students to enter local universities.

“This demonstrates that the Madani Government has opened a wider door in education, adopting a non-discriminatory approach towards all streams of education, whether private or public,” he said.

Meanwhile, SMK Bawang Assan principal Kong Chiong Hui the BAP would not only help ease the financial burden off the parents, but would also motivate students to begin the school session with greater enthusiasm.