PETALING JAYA: An education activist has called on Putrajaya to set aside a bigger allocation to boost the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in the upcoming budget, saying it would, in the long run, increase an individual’s employability.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) president Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said the DLP would help improve proficiency in the English language.
The DLP allows for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in English.
Noor Azimah said employers preferred staff who were proficient in English, a skill which the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) had in 2021 revealed was among the top five features that led to one being hired.
“As a trading nation, we need to communicate in the language of commerce, science, technology and digital. In fact, the official language for Asean is English,” she told FMT.
The DLP can also help in the application of the language through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The education ministry had previously asked for a special allocation for STEM subjects in Budget 2023 to help arrest its decline.
“Teacher training must be enhanced for students to be proficient in STEM subjects, in particular to produce a workforce that is digitally adequate and articulate in the English language,” she said.
Mak Chee Kin of the Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) shared similar sentiments, saying the government should allocate a “generous” amount to the programme.
“This is to encourage more schools to opt for it and train more new teachers. Teachers who are still not proficient enough should also be retrained,” he said.
He said STEM subjects taught in English would increase the skills and employability of youths to help them succeed in the 21st century.
A 2022 Penang Institute study investigating graduate employability within the state’s labour market determined that STEM graduates were generally more employable.
Over 90% gained employment after six months with most working in high-tech manufacturing sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), and machinery and equipment (M&E).
Meanwhile, National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the union hoped for provisions to improve special education classes such as Braille books for the visually impaired.
He also called for an increase in allocations for school maintenance to ensure the comfort and safety of staff and students.
“NUTP also hopes that there will be an allocation for substitute teachers to replace those on maternity or extended sick leave, and an increase in financial assistance for food and teaching aids,” he said.
Budget 2023 will be tabled on Feb 24. - FMT
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