Kuala Lampur, July 13 -- In Malaysia, English is more than just an academic subject. It is often perceived as a marker of intelligence, a pathway to higher education, and a key qualification in the job market. The Malaysian University English Test, or MUET, has become more than an assessment. For many, it feels like a verdict. Band 5 and 5+ are celebrated. Anything below that is met with silence, sometimes even shame.

MUET, or the Malaysian University English Test, is more than just a language exam. Taken by over 80,000 candidates each year, it is a key requirement for entry into local universities and is often perceived as a measure of academic worth. The test assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing, yet many students who per...