The issue of students skipping the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination has been an ongoing concern for Malaysia's Ministry of Education (MOE). In a recent written reply published on the official Parliament website, the ministry disclosed that as of February 6, 2024, a total of 8,076 candidates had been absent for all written SPM papers.
Adding to the concern, Johor's Chairman of the Education and Information Committee, Mr. Aznan Tamin, reported that over 900 students in Johor had chosen to skip SPM due to the belief that they could secure high-paying jobs in Singapore without formal academic qualifications.
To combat the increasing number of students skipping SPM, the MOE has turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a solution. According to Education Deputy Director-General (Professional Development Sector) Dr. Mohd Azam Ahmad, MOE has enhanced its Student Tracking System (SiPKPM) with AI technology to identify students at risk of dropping out or missing their SPM exams.
Speaking at a press conference after the Bual Bicara Pendidikan Asas Kenegaraan: Membina Generasi Mampan Masa Hadapan programme, Dr. Mohd Azam explained that this AI-powered system has already been deployed and is yielding promising results. He noted that the number of absent SPM candidates has significantly dropped from tens of thousands to 8,076 in 2024, attributing this improvement to the AI-driven intervention.
The AI-enhanced SiPKPM system is designed to monitor student behavior and performance from primary to secondary school. By analyzing various risk factors, including attendance, academic performance, and socioeconomic conditions, the system helps teachers and school leaders detect early warning signs of potential dropouts.
Dr. Mohd Azam emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
"Last year, we introduced an AI-enhanced version, which is now in operation. It assists teachers and school leaders in detecting at-risk students for timely intervention."
To further support students identified as being at risk, the MOE has implemented 18 different forms of assistance. These measures aim to address financial struggles, lack of motivation, family-related issues, and other factors that contribute to student absenteeism.
The intervention strategies are determined collaboratively by the MOE, State Education Departments, and District Education Offices to ensure that each student receives the most suitable support tailored to their needs.
With AI now playing a crucial role in tracking and supporting students, the MOE is optimistic that this technology-driven approach will significantly reduce dropout rates and absenteeism in future SPM exams. However, while AI can assist in identifying at-risk students, its success will ultimately depend on how effectively schools and policymakers implement the necessary interventions.
As Malaysia continues to face challenges in keeping students engaged in their education, leveraging technology such as AI could be a game-changer in ensuring that more students complete their secondary education and have access to better future opportunities.
Source: Bernama
