{
  "id": 12995517,
  "title": "In our pursuit of academic excellence, are we losing our children? — Rabi’ah Al-Adawiyah Rahmat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/in-our-pursuit-of-academic-excellence-are-we-losing-our-children",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T00:45:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2026/10/09/in-our-pursuit-of-academic-excellence-are-we-losing-our-children-rabiah-al-adawiyah-rahmat/238307"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia, there is a growing concern that the pursuit of academic excellence may be compromising the well-being and humanity of its children. This article explores the tragic loss of several young lives and highlights the need for a deeper examination of the societal factors at play.\n\nThe tragedies involving students such as Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, T. Nhaveen, Zara Qairina Mahathir, Yap Shing Xuen, Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril, and Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal are not isolated incidents. Nearly a decade after the initial incidents, these cases continue to raise alarm bells about the state of our education system and the impact it has on the emotional and moral development of our youth.\n\nWhile Malaysia has continuously reformed its education system, with revisions to curricula, examination formats, and age of formal schooling, the question remains whether we have adequately addressed the emotional maturity, empathy, and moral values of our children. The increasing academic pressure faced by students, combined with the demands of modern life, may be overshadowing the nurturing of essential human qualities.\n\nThe stories of the young lives lost remind us that they were not just academic achievements but also individuals with dreams, talents, and the potential to contribute positively to society. Their passing highlights the urgent need to reconsider our approach to education and parenting.\n\nBlaming schools and teachers alone is insufficient. The responsibility lies deeper within the family structure, where children need more than just academic guidance. They require affection, attention, boundaries, and meaningful conversations. However, the reality of long working hours and demanding careers often leaves little time for parents to fulfill these roles.\n\nMoreover, the influence of social media and unrestricted digital content on children's perceptions of violence, relationships, and conflict further complicates the issue. Parents and educators must adapt to the digital age and ensure that guidance extends to the online realm.\n\nSchools must play a more active role in promoting emotional education, conflict resolution, empathy, and respect. Implementing accessible counselling services, establishing reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of early intervention are crucial steps towards creating safer environments for our children.\n\nTo make meaningful progress, it is essential to examine the broader ecosystem in which our children grow. This includes reevaluating work-life balance, supporting parents in their roles, and addressing the societal expectations placed on individuals. Policymakers should prioritize children's emotional development alongside academic performance, while employers must recognize the importance of family well-being.\n\nUltimately, raising a child is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the family. Communities must take ownership of protecting and guiding the young, realizing that the future of Malaysia depends on nurturing compassionate, capable individuals who value the lives of others.\n\nAs we grapple with this national crisis, it is imperative that we slow down our relentless pursuit of academic achievements and critically assess whether our expectations are sustainable for the holistic development of our children. We must strive to create a balance between academic excellence and the nurturing of the human spirit, ensuring that our children grow up to be not only intelligent but also empathetic and compassionate leaders who contribute positively to society.",
  "summary": "OCTOBER 9 — Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain. T. Nhaveen. Zara Qairina Mahathir. Yap Shing Xuen. Muhammad Idlan Fareeq S...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}