Arishah Rusydan says the education ministry should have a process for recognising unendorsed competitions, like the Asia Youth International Model United Nations.
00:01A secondary school student has questioned the Education Ministry's policy of awarding marks for co-curricular activities only for recognized programs after failing to receive any credit for participating in an international youth conference.
00:1517-year-old Arisha Rusdan said she was denied marks under the Psychometric Assessment and Assessment of Physical Activity co-curriculum, despite emerging with the Best Delegate Award at the 16th Asia Youth International Model United Nations in Kuala Lumpur recently.
00:31The event, which drew 1,000 participants from 38 countries, did not qualify for PAJSK as it lacked ministry endorsement, a requirement for co-curricular marks that count toward university admissions and scholarships, with external certificates even from prestigious events not accepted.
00:50Arisha pointed out that the policy could discourage students from taking part in global events that help build practical skills and self-confidence.
00:58She urged the ministry to review PAJSK guidelines to recognize real-world achievements, saying her experience reflects broader student frustration over being sidelined despite meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.
