KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a multi-storey school initiative aimed at tackling overcrowding in urban schools.

The project, developed in collaboration with the corporate sector, seeks to optimise educational resources and infrastructure while creating a more conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

"Initiatives such as foster schools, with the support of strategic corporate partners, will be expanded to open up more learning opportunities for students, especially in the fields of digital skills and creativity," Anwar shared in a Facebook post last night.

During a meeting with the Education Ministry's top leadership in Putrajaya, Anwar emphasised the importance of adapting the education system to the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen digital education and equip students with future-ready skills.

Anwar also stressed the need to promote mastery of Bahasa Melayu as the national language while underscoring the importance of English as an international language to give students a global advantage.

Increasing enrolment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), remains a key focus.

"The government is also determined to expand the TVET programme to full boarding schools (SBP) to produce more skilled workers in various strategic sectors," he said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to comprehensive education reforms to ensure every student has access to a quality education system that meets current needs and prepares them as future leaders.

He also highlighted the importance of empowering teachers as agents of change, emphasising the need for more comprehensive training, improved pedagogical skills, and the integration of technology in classrooms to enhance learning experiences.