However, one caught my attention that is the handing over of a memorandum to Education Minister regarding the discontinuation of English usage to teach Math and Science subject. It seems we're not over this and people still think we could do better using Bahasa Melayu to learn both subjects in which not a big deal to me. Its just quite funny when these kids furthering their studies they have to learn the same language but this time most probably in English. Worst case scenario is English text book, lecture in Bahasa Melayu. I just feel sorry for them for having the system messing them up.
I would not go on saying we should still learn the subjects in English or Bahasa Melayu. I'm no expert on this. What I would think that holds much importance is to make our kids speak more of the language, English.
In my current line of work, I get to meet plenty of graduates whom seek for employment. They all say they are looking for something to suit their qualification. Fair enough, only that probably they did not realized with some of their current level of English and communication skills, they can only dream to work in the private sector with decent pay, to avoid underemployment. Even luckier if they can get a job in any fast food joint.
Having seen close to 500 graduates so far, I'm still wondering what's in their head, on what sort of employment opportunities are awaiting them out there. What with the current economic situation, they still wish for something that suits their qualification. I just don't get it, since I don't get the luxury of having a job that suits my qualification. I settled with what can pay me the amount that I'm looking for. That's about it.
When it come to these graduates, seeing them in interviews, I'd say they'll keep on searching for their dream jobs for the rest of their life. Its just appalling, the state of their communication skill. Some even refused to speak in English though they can clearly understand every word that I said, and how I stressed that English would be able to secure a decent job for those who care to speak the language.
For a good 11 years we learned the language in school yet we left unable to speak it. Lets think, whose fault that could be?
I'd say its just that we're lacking the effort to stress the importance of SPEAKING the language in school. Not just that, where ever possible that we can use the language. 3 years (to get a diploma) from their first employment, no one bothered to tell them they have to be able to speak English to stand a better chance of securing a job out there right now.
I'm so happen to be in an industry that can pay you well if you are able to speak the language. Communicating is literally how we earn our living and I'm still doing it. And that's all what it takes, other than being a graduate of course, is just to speak English. And its a fact that English is the preferred medium of communication in the most major corporation out there.
I just hope, our education system can be adjusted to encourage or make students converse in English at school more often, if not more than using Bahasa Melayu. Probably something like singing songs and reading out loud to the whole class. Like pre-school yes, because its the same method we're using with our graduate students in which from what we can see, its working alright though they are not 5 or 6 years old kid anymore. The way I see it, we need more environment to encourage English usage. That's all.
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