Currently serving as the Head of the Assessment Innovation Unit at the Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC) under the Ministry of Education of Malaysia, Dr. Shafiza Mohamed shares insights from her 23-year career with the Council. She holds a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc), Computer Systems and Networks from the University of Malaya, a Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Assessment and Evaluation from the National University of Malaysia, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Measurement and Assessment from the University of Sydney.

After graduating with a degree in computer science, Shafiza joined MEC as an examination officer for ICT subjects and was eventually promoted to Head of the Assessment Innovation Unit. She discusses MEC’s work in high-stakes examinations, including the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), a rigorous pre-university program equivalent to the UK’s General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-Levels, with 45,000 candidates annually, and the Malaysian University English Test (MUET), which serves 200,000 candidates each year.

She also discusses the MEC’s expansion into online testing and international markets, including China, Indonesia, and India. Shafiza describes the Council’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, including online scoring systems, AI-assisted marking, and AI proctoring pilots. She explains that while traditional paper-based exams remain prevalent, there is a growing need to transition toward digital and online testing. However, implementation is still in early stages due to limitations in digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and schools across Malaysia.

She discusses the challenges and growth of online examinations within MEC’s assessment program, noting that the Council uses a collaborative model to fulfill its mandate. This model relies on a small core team of assessment officers, supported by term-based external consultants, lecturers, and item writers. While MEC currently utilizes internal teams and local contractors, it recognizes the need for international expertise to meet global standards.

She explains that some assessments, such as STPM and MUET, remain paper-based to accommodate the needs of candidates in rural areas. The MUET also offers a computer-based testing option at selected urban testing centres. The Medical Specialist Pre-Entrance Examination (MedEx), meanwhile, has been administered online since 2021.

Shafiza notes that although teachers have concerns about exam integrity and fairness in online assessments, the transition offers several benefits, including the ability to collect richer data for analytics and provide faster results to candidates.

Shafiza explains that MEC currently uses an on-screen marking system and is exploring AI-assisted marking, although the latter remains in the pilot phase. She notes that cultural differences must be carefully considered when implementing AI marking systems, particularly for languages such as Malay and English.

She also discusses MEC’s reporting methods, noting that the STPM examinations use a traditional grading system, whereas MUET employs criterion-based reporting with performance descriptors that provide candidates with feedback on their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Shafiza recounts her first encounter with Vretta at an assessment conference in Mexico in 2022, where she was impressed by the platform’s ease of use and flexibility. She also learned about its adoption across Canada and its online examination offerings, which had been well received.

Shafiza is a multi-award-winning scholar and author, a member of numerous Ministry of Education strategic planning task forces, and a sought-after speaker who has delivered presentations and workshops on a wide range of assessment-related topics throughout Southeast Asia and internationally.

In her current role, she focuses on exploring and advancing technological innovations, digitalization, and enhancements in large-scale assessment. In 2025, she represented MEC in receiving the Impactful Technology Innovation Award from the Asia Association of Test Publishers (A-ATP). She takes pride in her global professional network and her contributions to the development of fair, reliable, and valid large-scale assessments in Malaysia.

Currently, she serves as the Southeast Asia Conference Ambassador for the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) 2026 Annual Conference in Toronto. She is also a member of the IAEA Marketing Committee for 2026. You can access the conference website here: https://www.eqao.com/iaea-annual-conference/. She also serves as the Ambassador for the A-ATP Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. (See https://a-atp.eventlinx.hk/2026/About). She is currently the Vice President 1 of the Malaysian Psychometrics Association (MPA) for 2026.

Shafiza has a passion for assessment and is continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Away from her professional responsibilities, however, she especially enjoys cooking Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and other cuisines, combining a variety of ingredients to create delicious meals with love that she shares with her family and friends.