Chapter 24: National Policies and Practices on ICT in Education: Malaysia

Malaysia is strategically located in South East Asia, which is one of the world’s most rapidly developing regions. In 1992 Malaysia set itself the goal of becoming a fully developed nation by the year 2020. The vision implicit in this goal is known as Vision 2020. The realization of such a vision in a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia requires the support of every ethnic group and a stable political climate, conditions that Malaysia has long enjoyed.

The turn of the century brought with it challenges such as globalization, liberalization of the economy, and information and communication technologies (ICT). To meet these new challenges, Malaysia needs citizens who are both knowledgeable and skillful. In its efforts to become a developed nation, Malaysia must build a workforce that uses (and thereby benefits) its own people rather than relying on foreigners to fill many positions, as is the case at present. Education is crucial, in this regard, for it provides Malaysia with a starting point from which to create the Malaysia of the future as envisaged by the government.