Chan: Proficiency key amid China’s growing influence
SERI KEMBANGAN: Mastering Mandarin is important as China is already leading the world in various sectors while leveraging the language’s global influence, says Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology board of governors chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
The former transport minister urged Malaysian leaders to have the foresight to continue supporting Chinese education in the country.
“There are already about 80 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Korea, that have incorporated Mandarin into their education systems.
“Researchers have also predicted that Mandarin may one day replace English as the world’s most important language.
“Hence, I hope Malaysian leaders will have the vision and be open-minded in upholding Chinese education.
“It should no longer be viewed as a racial issue, but a national issue,” Chan said during the fundraising dinner and 10th anniversary celebration of SJK(C) Bukit Serdang at Wisma Huazong on Saturday.
The dinner, attended by about 1,500 guests, raised RM3,066,888 for the construction of a new four-storey block that will house 12 additional classrooms.
Also present was the school’s board of governors chairman Datuk Liew Yuen Keong, who said the new school block was needed to accommodate the more than 3,500 students expected to enrol in the school next year.
“SJK(C) Bukit Serdang has come a long way since its establishment in 2015. We started with 197 students and now have 1,265, making us one of the fastest-growing schools in Selangor,” he said.
Liew added that the Subang Jaya City Council approved the building plans for the new block on July 16.
“I hope construction can begin by the end of this year or early next year so that the new block will be ready for use in 2028,” he said.
Also present were MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
