Chinese dialects as an Elective

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis, Sengkang GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether Chinese dialects can be introduced as an elective as part of the (i) current conversational Chinese enrichment programme for students in primary and secondary schools and (ii) modular foreign languages programme pilot at the secondary level.

Response

1.Bilingualism is the cornerstone of Singapore's education system. Our focus remains on developing students' proficiency in English and their Mother Tongue Languages. There are currently no plans to introduce Chinese dialects as an elective in our schools.

2.Students who are interested in dialects can explore classes organised by the Chinese clan associations.