Singapore Malays' attitude towards education: a look at the impediments to educational development

Abstract

This research exercise is an attempt to look at the efforts of the Malay/Muslim community in Singapore to upgrade its educational performance and achievement. In analysing the thinking of the Malay/Muslims, this study utilizes observations made through historical-sociological research using the methodology of sociology of knowledge. The first chapter highlights the current educational problems faced by the Malays in Singapore and its effect on the Malays' development in Singapore. Chapter Two looks at the perception of the different interest groups on the issue of the educational performance of the Malays. Chapter Three studies the historical background of the Malays and how their world-view has been shaped with regard to education and social economic matters. Chapter Four discusses the various measures the community has attempted to overcome the educational underachievement among them. The last chapter analyses the value orientations of the Malays that may have impacted on their educational achievement.