In the recently concluded "Pan-Commonwealth Conference on Professiona Services Trade - Enhancing Global Competitiveness (Feb 19-21, JW Marriot, KL)" where some 80+ delegates from 30+ Commonwealth countries were among the 300+ delegates (of which I was one) present, the remarks by some distinguished speakers dawn upon me (and surely upon the many influential policy makers present there too):
- that a good command of English is important for global competitiveness: 2 of the speakers even mentioned that they would not have been the success stories that they are today had they not been competent in English.
That made me wondered whether it was for that reason that Maths and Science were taught in English for our Malaysian schools kids since some years back; but there are now calls for a review of this policy, to restore status quo ante...going back to the same old days. If that happens, will Malaysians' global competitiveness be affected in years to come?
If I have my way, apart from English, I would also want our Malaysian kids to be proficient in one or two other global languages (Mandarin included). Of course, as Malaysians we must all be proficient in our National language. The right and progressive balance must be struck for all Malaysians to be confident global players that add value to themselves and our country!
Views, please?
Douglas GT Tan
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