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- The recruitment is part of workforce planning for the National Education Plan 2026-2035 and to address nationwide school staffing needs.
- Applications open in March and interviews will be scheduled between late April and mid-May, in collaboration with the Education Service Commission.
- New hires will undergo professional training at Institute of Teacher Education.
The Ministry of Education (Kementerian Pendidikan, or KPM) has announced plans to recruit 20,000 new teachers nationwide to meet staffing needs in schools and prepare for upcoming education reforms.
In a statement issued on Friday (30 January 2026), KPM said the recruitment will involve 20,000 Grade DG9 appointments under a Contract of Service (CoS) arrangement. The initiative forms part of the ministry’s early preparations for the implementation of the National Education Plan 2026-2035.
The move will also support preparations for the voluntary enrolment of six-year-old children into Year One, which is set to begin from next year.
The recruitment exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Education Service Commission. According to the ministry, the recruitment timeline will begin with the public announcement on 23 February 2026, followed by the opening of applications from 2 to 20 March 2026.
The interview screening process is scheduled to take place between 27 April and 14 May 2026, with further details to be shared by KPM in due course.
To ensure teaching standards are maintained, successful candidates will be required to undergo professional training at the Ministry of Education’s Institute of Teacher Education, across various areas of specialisation.
Launched in January 2026, the National Education Plan 2026-2035 outlines reforms designed to strengthen education outcomes and equip students with skills relevant for the modern workforce. The plan emphasises both human development and future-ready skills, including digital literacy, AI, STEM, and energy transition disciplines.
Key areas covered include:
- Early education and pathways
- Preschool will begin at age five, with Year One between the ages of six and seven.
- TVET and STEM pathways will be available from early secondary school, allowing students to explore practical and technical fields earlier.
- Selected schools will receive upgrades in teaching resources and facilities to support quality instruction in core subjects.
- Teacher and school support
- Teachers will benefit from salary increases, improved facilities, and reduced administrative duties.
- Improvements to teachers' rooms and facilities.
- Measures will address bullying and unethical practices to ensure a safe and structured learning environment.
Read our past coverage to find out more about the Plan here.
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