Opening doors: (From left) Lim, Khoo and Swastik say learning Asean languages can help foster stronger connections in the region.
PETALING JAYA: Student Lim Hong Zhe loves Thai food, especially authentic dishes in Thailand. And he is looking forward to learning the language so he can order all the right dishes there.
Lim is among many local students eagerly waiting for Asean languages to be introduced as elective subjects in schools. The students see it as a cultural bridge that could also lead to future career opportunities.
Learning languages like Thai, Khmer, and Vietnamese is not just exciting, but also empowering.
“Learning these languages will help me understand our neighbours’ cultures and build a stronger connection between Asean countries,” said Lim, 17, from SMJK Yok Bin, Malacca.
“And it will be useful especially when ordering food in restaurants during our vacations,” he added.
Khoo Chun Sheng, 16, from SMK Damansara Jaya, Selangor, also a fan of Thai cuisine, views this opportunity as both a practical and social advantage.
“Learning these languages can help students gain trust and friendship when studying abroad,” said Khoo, who understands the stress of taking on another subject.
He had already experienced this while studying Chinese as an elective.
As a solution, he proposed incorporating the languages into extracurricular activities instead.
“Schools could form language clubs and introduce different cultures during co-curricular activities. That encourages students to be more engaged.”
Similarly, 16-year-old Swastik Ram from SMK Kota Kemuning, Selangor, believes the move could open doors both personally and professionally.
“Learning these languages can help me connect with people from neighbouring countries and understand their cultures better,” he said.
“It might also provide more job opportunities, especially if I want to work in international relations or tourism,” Swastik said.
He, too, is drawn to the Thai language, inspired by his admiration for Thai culture and cuisine.
Swastik is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
Both students agree that while adding another subject might be challenging, the rewards far outweigh the stress.
