LeapEd Services Sdn. Bhd. (LeapEd) and Payments Network Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (PayNet) on 22 August announced the launch of Sekolah Anak Malaysia (SAM), Malaysia’s first digital school. SAM is the first digital school where the curriculum and teaching methods are purpose-built for the digital environment, ensuring flexibility, interactivity, and individual student growth.
SAM was initiated in response to LeapEd’s Post-COVID Recovery Research Study, which identified the urgent need to close learning gaps. This urgency was further underscored by the concerning 2023 PISA scores, highlighting the critical need for innovative educational solutions. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, the Malaysian government immediately took action to reverse learning losses. Yet, Malaysia’s learning outcomes remain low, facing two main challenges: improving learning levels in the aggregate and ensuring disadvantaged groups are not left behind, according to the World Bank’s April 2024 Malaysia Economic Monitor report.
With a vision to reach 10,000 students within the next decade, SAM currently serves students from Form 1 to Form 3, with plans to expand into upper secondary education next year and launch a primary school programme by 2026.
Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services and Managing Director of Sekolah Anak Malaysia, believes that although the Malaysian education system faces significant challenges, the greater opportunity lies in collective efforts to address them. “LeapEd is not just responding to a momentary need but hopefully laying the groundwork for a lasting transformation in education. We are working with the government and civil society organisations to tackle the immediate issue of learning deficits while simultaneously working towards ensuring long-term quality education. We are eager to engage all Malaysians in making this innovation a success for future generations because every child deserves access to a world of possibilities,” she said.
SAM’s success is bolstered by strategic partnerships with leading organisations dedicated to enhancing the educational experience. PayNet is a leading financial technology company dedicated to driving innovation in Malaysia’s digital economy, making it a prime partner in LeapEd’s mission to provide quality education for all. As a founding partner of SAM, PayNet plays a pivotal role in funding the school’s industry-linked curriculum and providing scholarships, thereby empowering the next generation of learners with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the digital age.
“PayNet is committed to empowering the next generation through future-ready education. By integrating finance technology into the curriculum and nurturing holistic, global citizens, we’re bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities. This partnership aligns with our vision to spark early interest in digital and financial literacy, ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving financial services landscape,” said Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director, PayNet Akar.
Other partnerships involved include:
- 21K School: LeapEd forged a strategic partnership with 21K School, Asia’s leading online school, to realise its vision of providing accessible, high-quality, and relevant education, combining global best practices with local expertise. Together, they bring global perspectives and sustainable practices to the heart of SAM’s educational journey.
- IIUM Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity: Partnering with SAM, this centre provides essential residence and facilities support, contributing to the holistic development of students within a sustainable and ethical framework.
- Malaysian Red Crescent Society (PBSM/RCSM): PBSM, SAM’s national co-curricular partner, integrates leadership development and community engagement into the student experience.
Tuan Haji Hakim Bin Haji Hamzah, Secretary General of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, shared, “We hope that this collaboration would enable us to instil the spirit of volunteerism and humanitarian values amongst the students, not forgetting to enhance their knowledge on health and safety plus disaster preparedness.”
LeapEd also launched the READy+ programme—a targeted initiative designed to tackle the literacy and numeracy challenges faced by Malaysian primary students in BM, English, and Maths, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the Program Sokongan Pemulihan Pendidikan (PSPP) under the Ministry of Education, READy+ complements the Ministry’s Program Literasi dan Numerasi (PLaN) by enhancing teacher capacity and integrating best-practice diagnostic tools, equipping educators with improved pedagogical skills to address literacy challenges and foster inclusive learning environments across Malaysia.
SAM and READy+ were launched at a LeapEd’s Partnership, Advocacy, and Collaboration in Education (PACE) forum at the International Islamic University Malaysia. The “Reimagining Education, Innovation in Action” forum is part of PACE’s ongoing objective of addressing critical educational issues, including the impact of the pandemic, mental health, and the abolishment of PT3. Since its inception in December 2021, PACE has provided a platform for discussions among corporate leaders, NGOs, and student representatives, driving forward educational reforms.
Shahnaz, who was recently named a finalist for the Asia Education Medal by T4 Education and HP, added, “These programmes are designed to address the gaps exacerbated by the pandemic and establish a new benchmark for educational excellence in Malaysia. This marks the commencement of a transformative journey, with SAM and READy+ expected to significantly advance the educational landscape and contribute to the nation’s future.”
