“Your supplier and your customer will feel more comfortable and the chances of misunderstandings will be lower,” he said.
Ng pointed out that there are other considerations when hiring an employee aside from their language proficiency.
“Language is important. But there are also more skill sets out there.
“So it really depends on a lot of factors. But being able to communicate in Mandarin is an advantage,” he said.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan believes Mandarin fluency will indeed improve someone’s chances of getting hired in China-oriented businesses and Chinese-populated countries such as China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
“Being able to communicate in their native language enhances communication and cultural understanding, develops connection and fosters trust, which are valuable in building stronger relationships and conducting business effectively,” he said.
He cited the example of the Malaysian tourism industry, where mastering Mandarin could help tourism practitioners such as tour agencies and tour guides provide value-added services and tour experiences for tourists from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Concurring, Christina Tee, president of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted that China is a big economic region now, so it is almost certain that being fluent in Mandarin will give these job seekers a higher potential of getting employed.
Those who learn an extra language tend to have very good communication skills as well, which will give them even more of an edge in getting hired, she added.
“They definitely stand a higher chance at getting better opportunities internationally because they have opened themselves up to a different kind of market,” she said.
This is the final part of Media in Arms’ special report series “SJKC: Reality for Non-Chinese students”, which explores the experience of non-Chinese students in Chinese schools.
Media in Arms is a media collaboration comprising five mainstream media outlets: Chinese newspaper Sin Chew Daily, Malay daily Sinar Harian, local news broadcaster Astro Awani, Tamil newspaper Malaysia Nanban and The Star, which formed this initiative in February 2022 to share resources and collaborate on diversified news content.
New Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been welcomed by many like a breath of fresh air. But can he cleanse the nation of the many ills it now suffers? It remains to be seen.
MY retired brother called from Penang the other day. He had yet to get his pension and needed some cash. Why? I asked. “Anwar has won and I want to celebrate with my friends,” he cheered. He is just one of many who are anamoured of our new Prime Minister.
There is also this man in Bukit Mertajam, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s hometown, who is buying everyone meals at restaurants around town.
Elsewhere, a large non-Muslim crowd gathered outside a mosque as Anwar prayed inside. And they mobbed him when he came out. Everywhere he goes, the PM is being cheered.
He’s probably the most welcomed Malaysian chief executive in living memory. It’s all quite exciting, but I think the celebrations are also a bit premature.
Yes, it has been a long wait for him, his supporters and those who have been rooting for him all these years. He has been the underdog, facing failure after failure, falling every time he believed he had reached the pinnacle.
It’s the kind of story that would touch any heart.
But it’s only the beginning. Now is not the time to put him on a pedestal. He has much to prove, and he could fall off that high horse any time, just as the last three prime ministers did.
The plotting is going on. Those who do not like the idea of him being PM will do their best to bring about his downfall.
It happened before in 2020 with the Sheraton Move; and even days after Anwar’s appointment, there was talk of a Tropicana Move.
That has been denied, but his performance will be under intense scrutiny. There will be little room for relaxation.
His first task just got done. He has named his full Cabinet, obviously done with much juggling, putting together a unity government that will keep everyone happy and yet meet his promise of a small Cabinet.
If that was hard, the really herculean task awaits now.
There is so much wrong with our country now – an economy in the doldrums, a ringgit that’s floundering, an education system that’s well off the mark, and a population that’s deeply divided.
There’s so much to do – or undo.
I say undo because Anwar himself may be responsible for some of those maladies. He was once Education Minister – way back in 1986 – and started a revolution in the system.
He is the man credited with Islamisation of our schools, and the growth of religious schools, while working with then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Those actions have come back to bite him, say analysts. Two weeks ago, his daughter lost the Permatang Pauh seat, held by members of his family since 1980, to a tahfiz teacher.
Anwar, and his Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), were the driving force behind such schools.
The children in many of these schools are being taught to only vote for a certain party, and with Undi18 now law, there was a flood of such voters, the analysts say.
With the mushrooming of religious schools, the days when children of all races laughed, played and mixed in schools seem to be long gone.
Now, schools are divisive. Even the syllabus has been questioned with Malays themselves asking why there are so many religious classes and too few teaching modern-day living skills like English, science and technology, computer know-how and things like that.
t;
The Chinese and Indians are flocking to vernacular schools, leaving the national school system largely to the majority Malays. So many Malays are also migrating to these vernacular schools.
Already, there is a call for one stream of education for all. I think it’s too early for that too. We first need to make the national school system the one of choice. For that, a good Education Minister is needed, as is a revamp of the school syllabus. Fadhlina Sidek and Datuk Seri Khaled Noordin have a lot to do.
We have heard the perennial complaints – discrimination in matriculation places, the closure of canteens during Ramadan, children forced to eat in the toilet and odd corners, non-Muslim children being left to their own devices during agama classes ... the list is long.
Public universities too need to be places where a Malaysian identity can be forged, not where differences are reinforced.
A National Unity Minister who sincerely believes in his job could be a big help. Aaron Ago Dagang, a man from Sarawak, could be the right choice.
There is a lot we can learn from the Borneo states, which have retained much of the old-world charm that places like George Town, Klang, Johor and even Kuala Lumpur once had; the days when Chinese coffee shops housed nasi kandar stalls and people of all races sat together at the same table, eating and drinking together.
Even my mee jawa man had prawn and beef broth for his different clientele, each with a different wok.
Then there’s the minister for Religion. We have all heard about the one from Indonesia; his mantra is that he is a minister for all religions – Islam, Christianity, Hinduism or Buddhism.
It was not so the last time for the minister in Malaysia. He believed his job was only to cater to the religion of the federation.
What we need is a minister who looks at the similarities among religions, all of which preach peace and unity, not one who considers his religion superior and therefore untenable with the others.The Rulers have got it right. They have called for an end to all extremism, religious or racist, and for unity to be the main consideration. It is important that the government works towards bringing the bitterness to an end.
“I hope there are no more leaders who will raise racial or religious issues to provoke the people,” said Negri Sembilan’s Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir.
They also want the Rukun Negara, whose first tenet is “Belief in God”. It does not say which religion. The supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law are also important.
Now, it is up to the new PM. He has his job cut out for him. The honeymoon with the voters and adulation of the supporters will be over real soon.
The work – and it’s a lot of hard work – will have to begin. The pitfalls and booby traps are many. His supporters have faith that he will make it.
Five years from now – if Anwar succeeds as a unifying PM – we can celebrate as a nation. For now, though, I am holding that champagne, or non-alcoholic beer as the case may be.
Anwar says he took Finance Ministry to bring new policies
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who appointed himself Finance Minister in his new Cabinet, is hoping to
restore economic confidence through new policy approaches.
“I was not inclined (to take on the post), but I want to embark on new policy approaches and restore economic confidence among local traders as well as foreign investors.
“I
will be assisted by a strong team that isn’t only civil servants, but also a group of advisers who will not burden the government’s coffers,”
he said in announcing his Cabinet at Perdana Putra here yesterday.
In the follow-up press conference, Anwar said the Finance Ministry will be
assisted by several advisers led by former PETRONAS president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the new Cabinet members will be sworn in at 3pm today.
“I
will have a special meeting with the ministers so I can convey several matters to them, such as new rules, direction, and new methods,” he
said.
Anwar said ministers should begin their duties soon and he advised them to avoid wastage, bribes and power abuse.
“I have made it clear to the Cabinet that the unity government prioritises good governance and the need to reduce the people’s burden, as well as stimulating the economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister said his Cabinet, which comprises 28 ministers, is a clear signal to the people that the unity government, together with the civil service, will ensure its promises to the people are fulfilled.
The last prime minister who also served as a finance minister was Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Anwar had served as finance minister and deputy prime minister to then
premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad before being sacked in 1998.
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BELOW are some questions and answers relating to schools and institutions under the Education Ministry as well as the status of public examinations during the movement control order period.
School reopening
Q: Are all students in areas under the movement control order required to return to school when it reopens on Jan 20?
A: Only students sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM), Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) and Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) 2020 and 2021 students, as well as the equivalent international exams, will be allowed to return to school to undergo the Implementation of Teaching and Learning (PdP) via face-to-face.
Non-examination students will undergo Home-based learning (PdPR).
Q: Will students having to undergo public examinations but living outside MCO areas be allowed to return to schools that are under MCO areas or vice-versa?
A: Yes. Special authorisation letters will be issued by the school management to allow students to cross districts or states to attend school.
Q: Are parents/guardians allowed to send their children or children under their care to school?
A: Yes.
Q: Are students in remove class who have appealed to sit for the Bahasa Melayu Literacy Screening (Pengesahan Literasi Bahasa Melayu) allowed to be in school?
A: Yes. Students can attend school to sit for the Bahasa Melayu Literacy Screening on Jan 21,2021. For students unable to attend, they can take the test on Feb 3,2021.
Central Assessment Schedule (Pengurusan Pentaksiran Pusat) and public exams
Q: Will the central assessment schedule and SPM/ SVM/ SKM/ STPM/ STAM/ DVM as well as equivalent international examinations proceed?
A: Yes.
Q: Will the postponed SPM trial 2020 be conducted?
A: Yes. The examination will proceed once school re-opens for face-to-face lessons.
Boarding School Enrolment
Q: When will students sitting for the SPM/ SVM/ SKM/ STPM/ STAM/ DVM exams be allowed to return to boarding schools?
A: Beginning Jan 16.
Q: Are parents/guardians allowed to visit students living in boarding schools that are under the MCO?
A: No.
Q: Will students be allowed to go for outings and overnight events?
A: No.
Teaching and Learning (PdP)
Q: How will PdP be implemented for students aside from those sitting for examination classes?
A: Students must undergo home-based learning (PdPR) based on the suitability and the preparedness of teachers and students. Teachers can refer to the PdPR manual which can be downloaded from the Education Ministry portal www.moe.gov.my
Q: How can Year 1 pupils for the 2021 academic session access the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (Delima) platform as part of the PdPR?
A: Pupils can access the Delima portal using their user ID and password given by the school.
Q: How can students access the TV Pendidikan educational programme schedule? A The schedule of TV Pendidikan can be accessed via the Education Ministry’s official portal and social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @KemPendidikan.
Sports and co-curricular activities
Q: Will face-to-face sports and co-curricular activities be allowed?
A: No. However, virtual activities are allowed until the latest announcement from the Education Ministry.
Q: Will sports activities for PdP of the Physical Education subject and Health Education (Pendidikan Jasmani and Pendidikan Kesihatan) outside of the classroom be allowed?
A: No
Management of the textbook loan scheme (SPBT)
Q: Are the Form 5 2020 students required to return their textbooks?
A: Only after they complete their SPM examinations.
Q: Will the Form 5 2020 students be using the same textbooks used by the Form 5 2021 students?
A: No. Students will be provided with the Form 5 Secondary School Standards-based Curriculum (KSSM) textbooks for use in 2021.
Q: When will other students aside from the Form 5 2020 need to return their textbooks and collect their new textbooks?
A: Return and distribution of textbooks will be implemented based on the return schedule in stages set by the school management once school re-opens.
Q: How can students obtain digital textbooks?
A: Students can download digital textbooks from the Delima platforms at moe-dl.edu.my or teachers can help download the digital textbooks, print and distribute them based on the required topics only.
School admission assessment (PKSK)
Q: Will PKSK be implemented during the MCO period?
A: Yes. The new PKSK dates for students entering Form One are Jan 20 to 29. For Form Four students, Feb 15 to 25.
Special authorisation letters will be issued by the Education Ministry to allow candidates to cross states or districts to attend the assessment centres.
Q: What are the necessary steps that need to be taken before a candidate sits for PKSK?
A: All candidates must bring a slip to sit for the PKSK and the special authorisation letter to attend PKSK that can be downloaded below:
i. spskt1.moe.gov.my (Form 1)
ii. spskt4.moe.gov.my (Form 4)
Q: Will candidates with any medical symptoms be allowed to undergo PKSK?
A: No. Parents/ guardians will need to get confirmation from certified medical officers and inform the head of the assessment centre (Ketua Pusat Pentaksiran).
A new date for students to sit for the PKSK will be set later.
Q: Are candidates under quarantine allowed to sit for PKSK?
A: No. Students are only allowed to sit for PKSK after the end of their quarantine period. A new date for the students will be set later.
Q: Are candidates who test positive for Covid-19 and treated in hospital allowed to sit for PKSK?
A: No. However, they will be allowed to do so once they are discharged from the hospital. A new date to sit for the PKSK will be announced later.
Q: Are candidates living in MCO areas allowed to change their PKSK centre?
A: Yes. Candidates need to submit an application to the head of assessment centre (Ketua Pusat Pentaksiran) that they are applying to.
Teachers and non-education services member (anggota perkhidmatan bukan guru)
Q: When are teachers required to be at the station of duty?
A: Teachers are required to be at the station of duty before Jan 20.
Q: Are teachers required to be present at schools placed under the MCO?
A: Teachers’ attendance at schools are required as below:
i. Teachers involved in the SPM/ SVM/ SKM/ STPM/ STAM/ DVM for the year 2020 and 2021 as well as equivalent international exams.
ii. Teachers involved in examination management.
iii. Other teachers that are ordered to be present by the head of departments.
Q: Are teachers living outside of MCO areas allowed to be present at schools that are currently under MCO or vice versa?
A: Yes. Teachers are required to obtain a special authorisation letter from the head of department.
Q: Aside from teachers, who else is allowed to be present at school during the MCO?
A: i. Non-education services members (Anggota Perkhidmatan Bukan Guru) with orders from the head of department.
ii. Essential services workers such as cleaners, security personnel, and canteen staff.
iii. Wardens and boarding school administrators.
Q: Will non-education services members be allowed to work from home?
A: Yes. The head of department can consider the request to work from home made by non-education service members according to their workload and the need to be physically at the office.
Management and operations of private education institutions (IPS)
Q: Are childcare centres allowed to operate face-to-face?
A: Yes. This includes international and expatriate preschool classes.
Q: Are all categories of IPS in MCO areas allowed to have face-to-face learning?
A: No. Only classes with students that are sitting for the SPM/ SVM/ SKM/ STPM/ STAM/ DVM for 2020 and 2021 as well as equivalent international exams will be allowed to operate face-to-face.
Q: Are all IPS categories centres such as tuition/ language centres allowed to operate face-to-face learning?
A: No.
Q: Does an IPS that has been allowed to operate face-to-face learning require a special authorisation letter in order to allow students/ teacher/ staff to be present?
A: Yes.
Management and operations of Pusat Anak Genius Negara (PAGN) and Pusat Genius Kurnia (PGK)
Q: Will PAGN and PGK under the MCO areas remain in operation?
A: Yes. However, this is subject to the quota allowed; priority will be given to parents/ guardians who are both working.
Q: Can parents/ guardians send their children or children under their care for half a day to a PAGN?
A: Yes. However, parents/ guardians must inform the teachers earlier so that activities and routines for children or children under their care can be planned smoothly.
Testing his knowledge: Year 4 pupil Muaz Harith reading in Mandarin during a Science lesson while his teacher Tam Kai Shan looks on at SJK(C) Kampung Baru Paroi. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
