Zambry: Malay, Bumiputera education must move beyond quotas towards self-reliance, resilience

Zambry Abd Kadir, the Higher Education Minister, has called for a shift in the education approach for the Malay and Bumiputera communities in Malaysia. The minister believes the community's success should be gauged by their ability to excel in STEM, innovate, and own intellectual property, rather than relying solely on university admissions.

Speaking at the Malay Education Convention 2026, Zambry stressed that the country's education system should shift from merely providing access to education to improving quality, building competencies, promoting entrepreneurship, and moving from technology use to ownership. He also urged the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to be seen as a vital pathway for developing national talent and producing skilled technicians and problem-solvers.

Zambry addressed the issue of Bumiputera dependency, stating that while affirmative policies remain relevant, their ultimate goal should be to empower the Bumiputera community to achieve excellence and independence. He emphasized that Malay and Bumiputera education cannot continue to be built on the premise that they need help because they are weak, and the future narrative should be one of becoming strong, standing on one's own, leading, and helping others.

The minister highlighted the importance of mastering the Malay language as a language of knowledge and identity while ensuring proficiency in English and other languages to compete globally without compromising integrity. Zambry concluded that education must produce not only intelligent individuals but also those with good character, integrity, and the moral courage to lead.

The convention, which is a continuation of the Bumiputera Education Congress, will result in a comprehensive resolution to be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for review and further policy action.