Cover image via LeapEdThis Spotlight is sponsored by LeapEd.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a closer look at Malaysia's education system, uncovering both its strengths and areas in need of greater support
In response, LeapEd conducted a comprehensive Learning Loss research study in 2023, the only study of its kind in Malaysia, which identified key areas where support was urgently needed.
LeapEd is an award-winning social enterprise and Malaysia's first homegrown education service provider
While it may be your first time hearing of this social enterprise, LeapEd has been around since 2010, and has undertaken education transformation programmes that have impacted almost 2000 schools, covering more than 15,000 teachers and almost 300,000 students across Malaysia.
In 2023, LeapEd made headlines as the only non-government organisation in Malaysia to publish a comprehensive Learning Loss research study — providing critical insights into the challenges faced by students, educators, and schools post-pandemic.
Based on these findings, LeapEd has been working hard to address learning gaps by strengthening literacy and numeracy skills and equipping educators with more effective, student-centered teaching strategies.
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Understanding that education is not a one-size-fits-all solution, LeapEd has developed tailored interventions aimed at driving long-term, sustainable improvements in schools
Here are some of the solutions:
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Whole School Transformation Programme – A holistic model that enhances the entire school ecosystem, supporting students, teachers, and leadership to create lasting improvements.
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Literacy and Pedagogy Programmes – Strengthening foundational learning skills to improve academic outcomes and set students up for success.
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Health and Wellbeing Initiatives – Ensuring mental and emotional resilience among students and teachers, fostering a positive learning environment.
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Plus, LeapEd is pushing the boundaries of education with Sekolah Anak Malaysia (SAM) — Malaysia's first digital school
Designed to prepare students for a digital-driven future, SAM offers a hybrid learning model where 80% of learning is online and 20% is in-person.
With an emphasis on future-ready skills, SAM redefines education by making quality learning more accessible while aligning with Malaysia's digital transformation goals. This forward-thinking approach ensures that students are equipped for global opportunities.
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For many parents, this innovative model is more than just a schooling option — it's a timely response to the evolving needs of post-pandemic education
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Ainol, a parent of SAM students, described the school as more than just an educational institution — to her, it's peace of mind.
"After the disruptions of COVID-19, I wanted an education model that truly understood what today's children need. SAM blends structure with flexibility, and offers a learning experience that values my children's individuality, respects their pace, and nurtures their strengths.
"For the first time, I feel like we've found a school that genuinely gets what education should look like in this new era," she added.
One of LeapEd's flagship initiatives, READy+, is already making waves in Selangor, tackling the state's literacy and numeracy challenges head-on
Currently implemented in 254 schools, the programme is a key part of the national Program Anak Kita, supported by the Finance Ministry, Education Ministry, Yayasan Hasanah and CIMB Foundation. With the right support, READy+ can scale even further, ensuring more children receive the foundational skills they need to succeed.
As Malaysia's most populous and economically vibrant state, Selangor plays a pivotal role in shaping national progress. Its diverse education landscape presents both challenges and opportunities — making it the ideal ground to test and scale impactful solutions.
Through READy+, LeapEd is tackling Selangor's critical literacy and numeracy gaps while building a replicable blueprint for other states.
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With strong collaborations across government and corporate sectors, LeapEd is actively seeking strategic partners to expand its high-impact initiatives
One key partner that shares this vision is CIMB Foundation, whose invaluable support has helped expand the reach of READy+ to even more communities in need.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Foundation, shared: "At CIMB Foundation, we believe that addressing literacy and numeracy gaps from an early age is crucial, as these foundational skills are the building blocks for a child's long-term success.
"Education has always been at the heart of our community initiatives, and we see READy+ as a meaningful opportunity to act on this belief. The programme strongly aligns with CIMB's purpose of advancing customers and society, and reflects our commitment to building empowered and resilient communities through inclusive and impactful education. We are proud to support efforts that drive real and sustainable change for future generations."
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Together, we can turn Malaysia's learning loss into a learning leap — ensuring a brighter future for the next generation
For more information visit their official website here.
