The fourth-generation leaders likewise remain as determined as past governments to promote Chinese and maintain Singaporeans' bilingual advantage, added PM Lee, under whose watch the learning of Chinese in school underwent major changes.
In an interview in Mandarin at the Istana on April 28, he gave four reasons why he is sanguine that the standard and status of the Chinese language can be kept up in Singapore, despite abiding concerns that younger Singaporeans are becoming indifferent to their mother tongue and culture.
The first is that schools here are actively pressing on with a bilingual curriculum, and bilingual and bicultural classes are often well subscribed. Students who have interest and aptitude in languages are keen on these lessons, and the numbers have held steady, said the Prime Minister.
Second, community groups such as clan associations are earnestly organising language and cultural activities, and these have likewise garnered a good response.
He noted that at the annual National Chinese Challenge co-organised by SPH Media's Chinese Media Group and Nanyang Girls' High School in April, St Gabriel's Secondary School emerged the among secondary champion schools.
This was a good sign as it showed that excellence in Chinese instruction was not the sole preserve of just the few Chinese or Special Assistance Plan schools, said PM Lee.
Esta historia es de la edición May 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 11, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
VERSTAPPEN CHASES 9TH POLE IN A ROW
Dutchman aims to break Senna’s record, but knows it won't be easy with rivals closing in
Large planes can handle turbulence, but flights are set to get bumpier
Climate change will be a challenge for aviation, though commercial aircraft are generally equipped to handle it.
Spore, Kazakh firms urged to collaborate in tech, innovation
Other opportunities include biotech, urban development, renewable energy
S'pore expects key exports growth at lower end of 4%-6%
But support expected from recovery in electronics demand in second half of 2024
Nvidia delivers on Al hype, igniting 189b stock rally
Chipmaker’s bullish sales forecast cements its status as top beneficiary of Al spending
Nightclub says S. Korean DJ's shows here will not have religious elements
This comes after police reminder on rules amid calls by Buddhist federation to cancel the shows
1 worker dead, 2 in ICU after inhaling poisonous gas at PUB plant
MOM calls halt to tank cleaning work after incident at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks
Benjamin Kheng to perform NDP 2024 theme song, Not Alone
Parade marks 59 years of independence and Total Defence campaign’s 40th anniversary
Climate ruling by top court on oceans Is a game changer
Itlos’ opinion directs nations to cut gas emissions that endanger marine life and heat up planet
Economy the focus as Britain's election campaign kicks off
Conservative PM and Labour rival make their pitch as polls show voters want change