(Kuching, 12th) As a trading nation, the people of Malaysia need to be proficient in international languages, especially English and Chinese, in order to build international networks and enhance the country's global competitiveness.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg stated that mastering multiple languages not only enables the younger generation to possess effective communication skills, but also creates more opportunities in an increasingly competitive global economy.
He said Malaysians should strengthen their English proficiency, which does not diminish patriotic spirit. At the same time, the people should still uphold the national language as an identity marker and master the knowledge and scientific expertise required for the future.
According to TVS, he said at the Tanjung Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner on Saturday night (July 11): “If we want our children to have international perspectives and mindsets, what is wrong with using international languages? We cannot look at things only from Sarawak’s viewpoint, but must look globally, because today’s economy is globalized and we are also a trading economy.”
“Therefore, we need to master international languages to build networks at the international level.”
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak government’s decision to recognize the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) also took into account changes in the global economic landscape, especially China’s rise as one of the world’s largest economies.
He explained that mastering Chinese will give indigenous communities an advantage in building business partnerships and communicating with strategic partners, and will also help promote trade, including the export of major commodities such as palm oil to China.
He said: “For this reason, the late former Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and the government team decided then to recognize the UEC certificate, so that indigenous communities could master multiple languages in today’s open economy.”
“Otherwise, we would be at a disadvantage due to a lack of this knowledge.”
Abang Johari further pointed out that education has always been the foundation of development, and the Sarawak government continues to expand opportunities for access to quality education through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
In addition, the government provides a living allowance of RM1,200, as well as free books and laptops, to help reduce students’ financial burdens.
He said investing in education is a long-term strategy to eradicate poverty, because only through knowledge and higher education can the standard of living of the people be improved and sustainable development in Sarawak be promoted.
He said Malaysians should strengthen their English proficiency, which does not diminish patriotic spirit. At the same time, the people should still uphold the national language as an identity marker and master the knowledge and scientific expertise required for the future.
According to TVS, he said at the Tanjung Lobang College Alumni Association Charity Dinner on Saturday night (July 11): “If we want our children to have international perspectives and mindsets, what is wrong with using international languages? We cannot look at things only from Sarawak’s viewpoint, but must look globally, because today’s economy is globalized and we are also a trading economy.”
“Therefore, we need to master international languages to build networks at the international level.”
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said that the Sarawak government’s decision to recognize the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) also took into account changes in the global economic landscape, especially China’s rise as one of the world’s largest economies.
He explained that mastering Chinese will give indigenous communities an advantage in building business partnerships and communicating with strategic partners, and will also help promote trade, including the export of major commodities such as palm oil to China.
He said: “For this reason, the late former Sarawak Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and the government team decided then to recognize the UEC certificate, so that indigenous communities could master multiple languages in today’s open economy.”
“Otherwise, we would be at a disadvantage due to a lack of this knowledge.”
Abang Johari further pointed out that education has always been the foundation of development, and the Sarawak government continues to expand opportunities for access to quality education through the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
In addition, the government provides a living allowance of RM1,200, as well as free books and laptops, to help reduce students’ financial burdens.
He said investing in education is a long-term strategy to eradicate poverty, because only through knowledge and higher education can the standard of living of the people be improved and sustainable development in Sarawak be promoted.