The Evolution of Gifted and Talented Education in Malaysia

Gifted and talented education in Malaysia has undergone significant development over the past few decades. This article examines the historical evolution of gifted and talented education, from an elite education system to more systematic specialised programmes, including the establishment of Fully Residential Schools (Sekolah Berasrama Penuh, SBP), MARA Junior Science Colleges (Maktab Rendah Sains MARA, MRSM), the PERMATA Pintar Programme (2009), and Kolej PERMATA Insan (2010). In addition, government policies such as the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025 have played an important role in strengthening gifted education in the country. Despite this progress, several major challenges remain, including limited awareness among the public and teachers regarding this specialised form of education, constraints in government funding, the suitability of the curriculum for gifted learners, and difficulties in identifying talent from psychometric and cognitive perspectives. In addressing these challenges, the study proposes the utilisation of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in gifted and talented education systems, as well as the expansion of collaboration with international institutions to enhance the standards of gifted education in Malaysia. With continuous improvement in the education system, strong policy support, and the integration of modern technology, gifted and talented education in Malaysia has the potential to continue growing and to produce high-quality human capital capable of contributing to national development and global innovation.

Educational Evolution; Gifted and Talented Education; Kolej PERMATA Pintar

1. Gagné, F. (2004). Transforming gifts into talents: The DMGT as a developmental theory. High Ability Studies, 15(2), 119-147. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Hamzah, M. I. (2016). Pendidikan Ulul Albab di Kolej PERMATA Insan: Integrasi Islam dan Sains. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 4(2), 23-39. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ismail, H. (2015). Cabaran dalam pendidikan pintar dan berbakat di Malaysia. Jurnal Pendidikan Malaysia, 40(2), 15-28. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ismail, H. (2015). Sistem pendidikan Malaysia: Sejarah, perkembangan dan cabaran. Jurnal Pendidikan Malaysia, 40(2), 15-28. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. (2013). Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia 2013-2025 (Prasekolah hingga Lepas Menengah). Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. (2019). Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia 2013-2025. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. (2021). Panduan Pelaksanaan Program Pendidikan Pintar Cerdas (PPPC). Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Mohd Yakub Zulkifli Haji Mohd Yusoff & Nordin Ahmad (Eds.). (2016). Memperkasa Generasi Penghafaz Al-Quran. Darul Quran JAKIM & Centre of Quranic Research (CQR). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2013). Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2019). Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia 2013-2025. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Rahman, A. (2018). MRSM and the development of talented students in Malaysia. Asian Journal of Education and Learning, 9(1), 45-60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Rahman, A. (2018). The evolution of gifted education in Malaysia: The role of PERMATA Pintar. International Journal of Gifted Education, 7(1), 12-27. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Renzulli, J. S. (2012). Reexamining the role of gifted education and talent development for the 21st century: A four-part theoretical approach. Gifted Child Quarterly, 56(3), 150-159. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Sternberg, R. J., & Davidson, J. E. (2005). Conceptions of giftedness (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Subotnik, R. F., Olszewski-Kubilius, P., & Worrell, F. C. (2011). Rethinking giftedness and gifted education: A proposed direction forward based on psychological science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(1), 3-54. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Tan, C. (2012). Educational policy and reform in Malaysia. Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). (2024). History of PERMATApintar establishment. Retrieved from https://www.ukm.my/permatapintar/history-estabishment/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Wikipedia. (2024a). Malay College Kuala Kangsar. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_College_Kuala_Kangsar [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Wikipedia. (2024b). Sekolah Berasrama Penuh. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sekolah_Berasrama_Penuh [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Wikipedia. (2024c). Sultan Alam Shah Islamic College. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Alam_Shah_Islamic_College [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study