Educational challenges and aspirations of Myanmar's Muslim community: an empirical study of Islamic and secular education experiences

Thu Aung, Phoo Pwint and Abdul Razak, Mohd Abbas (2026) Educational challenges and aspirations of Myanmar's Muslim community: an empirical study of Islamic and secular education experiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS), X (VI). pp. 198-210. ISSN 2454-6186

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Abstract

This study investigates educational experiences within Myanmar's Muslim community using survey data from 180 individuals who attended both Islamic and secular schools. It addresses a notable gap in research on Islamic education in Myanmar, where Muslims comprise approximately 4 to 10% of the population. Data were collected through online surveys distributed via educational seminars, social media platforms, and direct messaging between April and October 2025. The findings indicate significant infrastructure deficiencies: 84.2% of respondents reported no access to technology, a critical concern given the importance of technology in modern learning environments (Machmud et al., 2021). There is a marked quality disparity between religious schools (mean rating 2.54 out of 5) and government schools (3.16 out of 5). The main challenges identified are limited resources (74.1%), lack of technology (72.2%), and an outdated curriculum (58.2%). Educational equity received the lowest score (1.95 out of 5), suggesting widespread perceptions of unequal opportunities. Despite these challenges, 84.2% of respondents considered education extremely important, demonstrating strong community motivation. Qualitative analysis revealed five primary themes: rote memorisation versus understanding, technology isolation, employability concerns, curriculum modernisation needs, and balancing religious-secular educational goals. The study recommends curriculum reform, technology integration, enhanced teacher training, and the development of pathways that recognise both religious and practical education.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Islamic education, Myanmar, madrasa, Muslim minorities, educational quality, technology utilisation, curriculum reform
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam BPL Islamic education BPL Islamic education > BPL27 Aims and objectives of education. Sustainable education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (Effective: 5th Feb 2014) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2026 09:11
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2026 09:11
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3807
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129550

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