Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon: Mandatory revision on DLP plan will have negative impact
Tan Sri Yang Poh Kon, chairman of Royal Selangor International Sdn Bhd, said that the bilingual curriculum program is very effective in improving students’ English proficiency and science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects (STEM) subjects. If the program is forcibly modified, Plans will have a negative impact on student learning.
He said that the bilingual curriculum program has achieved remarkable results since its implementation. In 2020, Sarawak converted all 1,000 of its schools to fully bilingual curriculum schools, which speaks volumes about the success of the program.
He said the advantages of being proficient in English are well known. Numerous studies show that graduates who are proficient in English earn more than those who are not.
"During interviews, 68% of employers reported in the survey that they would reject applicants due to poor language skills. 91% of employers surveyed stated that English is the lingua franca of business."
He pointed out that the government announced this year that it would abolish the bilingual curriculum plan, which disappointed many parents and educators. The new conditions defy logic and will prevent school children from improving in English and STEM subjects.
Tan Sri Yong said at a press conference held by Parents Action for Education (PAGE) on bilingual curriculum programs today that the Ministry of Education should reconsider its policy on bilingual curriculum programs so that they can be competitive in the future job market.
He also emphasized that Malay is our national language and its status is guaranteed in the Constitution. But it cannot be ignored that in this new digital age, the explosion of scientific and technological knowledge is mainly in English.
"So it's much more effective to understand science, math, technology and connect to a world without borders in English."
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