LOR STAR: The employability rate of special education students in Kedah reached 74 per cent last year, surpassing the national rate of 71 per cent.
State Education Department director Ismail Othman said this percentage has been steadily increasing yearly, mirroring the academic development progress seen in Kedah.
Ismail said the accomplishments of these students should not be underestimated, as nine of them achieved outstanding results in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
"We believe that they should have equal opportunities to improve themselves, free from discrimination. As a result, nine students achieved excellent results in last year's SPM examinations, and their employability has also risen.
"With the skills they possess, their employability in the state increased to 74 per cent last year.
"Special education students have ventured into various fields, including automotive, hospitality, agriculture, and food and beverage.
"Some have even become managers of their own companies," he said during a press conference at the State Education Department office here today.
He said Kedah had 226 schools with special education students, comprising 86 secondary schools and 140 primary schools.
"There are more than 8,000 special education students in Kedah. They are consistently given opportunities to explore various fields, most of which involve skills such as tailoring, automotive, and agriculture."
He said a leading factor contributing to the increased employability rate was the collaboration between the Education Ministry and strategic partners, which include private companies.
"These companies are willing to provide training to prepare students for the workforce once they finish their studies," he added.