Malaysia's PISA 2025 Results: Looking Beyond the Scores

Malaysia’s PISA results should prompt us to look beyond academic scores. Student attitudes and teacher support show promise, but inequality, bullying, infrastructure gaps and limited growth mindsets need attention. Higher education spending alone will not solve these challenges. With regional peers gaining ground, Malaysia must ask uncomfortable questions, discuss weaknesses openly and build learning environments that help students thrive. Meaningful reform requires more than business as usual.