Malaysia at par with Singapore in producing high impact journals

In fact, he said, Malaysia is ranked higher than Thailand.

Muhyiddin said the achievement is the outcome of the Research University (RU) initiative implemented since 2006.

“Our achievement is comparable to our ASEAN neighbours like Singapore and we are ahead of Thailand. Our researchers produced a total of 77,327 publications from 2007 to 2012,” he reporters after delivering his 2014 Special Message Ceremony message as the Education Minister in Putrajaya.

“Singapore produced 78,031 while Thailand produced 50,786. This means we ranked higher than some of the leading Asian and OIC countries,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh and Deputy Education Minister 1, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching.

Muhyiddin said that the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013 – 2025 had shown considerable results since it was implemented a year ago.

"Six early targets have been met within 100 days of its implementation. This proves that the Education Ministry is serious in propelling Malaysia in achieving a world class education status," he added.

“Under the implementation of the District Transformation Programme (DTP), we have recorded the best Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) performance in 2013, the highest increase in eight years.”

“Additionally, 99.1% or 440,591 of Year 3 pupils nationwide have mastered Bahasa Malaysia while 99.3% or 441,571 pupils have mastered mathematical skills after attending three years of schooling.”

Muhyiddin added that the ministry will focus on improving school-based assessment and strengthening Bahasa Melayu this year.