The 3M’s problem: implications for our future professionals / Syazliana Kasim and Shahrul Amri Ab Wahab

In recent years, there has been a growing concern in Malaysia over the three basic skills of students leaving school, namely the reading, writing and calculating skills (also known as the 3Ms). Despite completing their formal education, many students enter higher education or the workforce with inadequate reading comprehension and weak mathematical abilities. This issue is not merely an academic shortfall but has far-reaching implications for the development of skilled professionals in Malaysia. As the nation strives to achieve its developed country’s goals and beyond, the production of capable, critical-thinking professionals is essential for the country’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global market. One of the primary factors contributing to this issue is the curriculum and teaching approach at the school level. While Malaysia has invested heavily in education, the focus often leans towards rote memorization and exam-based assessments, leaving little room for the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Students may be able to pass exams, but they frequently lack the ability to apply what they have learned in practical, real-world situations. This deficiency becomes glaringly obvious when students transition into higher education or enter the workforce.