GEORGE TOWN: To build deeper intra-Asean collaboration, Malaysia is expanding its elective language offerings in schools to include Mandarin, Tamil and Asean languages such as Thai, Khmer and Vietnamese, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said Malaysia’s bilingual foundation in Bahasa Malaysia and English is now evolving to support regional collaboration.
"Asean’s strength lies in its diversity of cultures, languages and traditions.
"To harness this, we must ensure our young people are multilingual, adaptable and culturally competent," she said in a speech at the Empowering Education Summit 2025 held at Jen Penang George Town by Shangri-la on Monday (April 21).
She said this initiative will build a skilled, multilingual Asean workforce.
"We are also doubling down on early childhood care and education.
"The new National Child Development Centre in Putrajaya will serve as a regional model for high-quality preschool education with an emphasis on cognitive development, nutrition and teacher training," she said.
On the summit, she said it was commendable that the organisers brought together a diverse and visionary group of thought leaders, policymakers, educators and industry stakeholders.
"The theme 'Shaping Asean’s Future Through Skills and Innovation’ is timely and urgent.
"It speaks to our collective responsibility not only to deliver education but to reimagine its purpose in a rapidly changing world," she said.
