Enrolment in foreign, Malay language courses up
By Amie PDH Ishak

Guest of honour presenting a certificate.

Among those present at the event. - PHOTOS: AMIE PDH ISHAK

Enrolment in foreign and Malay language courses among foreign students last year rose to 487 from 363 in 2006, said Hjh Erie Abdullah, head of Additional Education (Pendidikan Lanjutan), and chairman of the certificate presentation ceremony for foreign language classes held yesterday at the Ministry of Education.

Some 218 participants received their certificates in Arabic, Japanese, French, Korean and Mandarin courses and foreign participants in Malay courses from the guest of honour, Awg Ibrahim bin Hj Abd Rahman, Assistant Director at the Department of Technical Education, Ministry of Education.

"Since 2007, the Additional Education Unit (Bahagian Pendidikan Lanjutan/BPL) has added Korean Language courses into its list of Foreign Language Courses.

"Malay language courses have also had a good response over the years especially with officers and doctors under contract from the Ministry of Health, to further help them improve their services to the public," she added.

"With the establishment of the Additional Education Unit (BPL), people can take the opportunity to enhance their knowledge through these courses as well as guide those who need their assistance.

"I am proud of the participation of those who are present today and with further active participations we will be able to further fulfil the unit's mission of providing opportunities through non-formal/informal programmes in par with the public's needs and the BPL's slogan of Education knows no age.

"The Ministry of Education has also already introduced foreign language courses in some schools in the country. There are a lot of benefits to learning a different language. By learning a different language we are not only able to communicate in that language but we will be able to learn about the country, culture, customs and lifestyles of that country," she said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin