Recognise student participation and achievement wherever they happen

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From Emellia Shariff

Last week, a Malaysian student from SMK Convent Kajang bravely questioned why her achievement as best delegate at a Model United Nations conference was not recognised under the education ministry’s Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity Co-curriculum (PAJSK) system.

Her voice sparked a national conversation. And as someone who has spent years organising youth development programmes across the country, I feel compelled to echo her concern.

At the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals – a human capital development institute focusing on soft skills – we run weekly classes, state-level workshops across Malaysia, and national-level competitions on debating, storytelling, public speaking, spoken word poetry, Model United Nations and more.

Every year, hundreds, sometimes thousands of students from public, private and international schools across Malaysia participate in MIDP’s programmes. These students don’t just gain certificates, they grow in confidence, leadership, communication, critical and creative thinking – something that is not just in demand by employers, but also necessary for Malaysia to become a high-income nation.

In fact, some of our programmes are even recognised internationally. For example, our Malaysian National Poetry Slam is officially recognised by the World Poetry Slam Organisation. Now, our champion represents Malaysia and competes globally.

Yet, our programmes are not recognised by the education ministry and these students who join do not receive PAJSK points, something they need to facilitate scholarship applications and university admissions.

Up until 2021, MIDP programmes were formally endorsed by the ministry. Participants received PAJSK points, just like they would in any school-organised activity. But that changed abruptly. In 2022, we were informed of a new requirement stating that only free programmes would be eligible for endorsement and PAJSK recognition.

Just like that, our students – despite their commitment, growth, and accolades – were rendered invisible in the eyes of the official system. Not because the programmes lack merit, but because they carry a small fee.

But here’s the reality: we, and many other organisers, are a small local SME passionate about nurturing the next generation of leaders. Our programmes require trainers, logistics, venues, adjudicators – real costs that cannot be ignored. How can high-quality, impactful programmes with experienced trainers, adjudicators, and coordinators operate entirely for free?

Despite that, some schools and parents are still willing to support our initiatives, even without the PAJSK points, because they see the value. They see their children transform and develop skills that no textbook can teach – resilience, teamwork, and empathy.

This is not a call for unchecked commercialisation in education. This is a plea for fairness, for nuance, and most importantly, for recognition.

If PAJSK truly aims to reflect a student’s full potential, then it must evolve beyond rigid rules and reflect the way students learn today, inside classrooms and beyond. The system must be updated to acknowledge participation and achievement, where they happen.

We call on the ministry to adopt an impact-based recognition of co-curricular activities, not a one-size-fits-all rule based on fee status. Do not disqualify a student’s hard work based on technicalities. Instead, recognise the effort. Honour the achievement. Empower the future.

We encourage the ministry to engage with organisers like MIDP and others, to co-create a better framework. We would love to be involved, and we yearn to be heard, working hand-in-hand to create a better Malaysia.

To Arishah Rusydan and every student like her, well done for speaking up. We see you, we believe in you, and we support you. Continue to speak up, not just when it’s convenient, but when it truly matters.

This is a teaching moment. We have heard the voice of one student, but I can guarantee you, she is not the only one. What are we signalling to our Malaysian students here? When they speak, do we listen? Or are we going to ignore it, hoping that the media coverage would die down?

Emellia Shariff is an experienced youth programme organiser and the CEO of the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

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