ID :
353471
Wed, 01/07/2015 - 10:36
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Guangdong Seeks Malay-Speaking Manpower

By Zarul Effendi Razali GUANGDONG (CHINA), Jan 7 (Bernama) -- The close diplomatic and trade ties between Malaysia and the Guangdong province in China have inspired a university here to introduce the Malay Language Studies next year. The Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) realised the need to introduce the course in light of the strengthening bilateral economic ties between the district and Malaysia. NEED FOR MALAY-SPEAKING MANPOWER The Head of the Malay Language Studies at the university’s Eastern Language and Culture Faculty Associate Professor Tan Xiao believes that the university will be able to provide a solution for the lack of Malay-speaking locals in the district to help facilitate trade between both sides. "Previously, the Chinese government or private companies that needed Malay-speaking manpower would have to seek out their candidates from the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU). "Introducing the Malay Language Studies in our university would help alleviate some of these difficulties,” said the lecturer, who spoke fluent Malay. Tan who graduated from BFSU continued his studies in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia where he obtained a Masters degree in Malay literature. "I love the Malay Language and chose to pursue a career in it. Its usage in China is more widespread today, thanks to the strong diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia. "Guangdong, the most developed province in China, has a very close relationship with Malaysia," he said. BOOSTING TRADE A report states that 40 per cent of the Malaysia-China trade involved the Guangdong province, where Malaysia emerged as the biggest Asean trade partner. In 2013, the value of bilateral trade reached US$24.11 billion (RM86.25 billion), representing 26.2 per cent of the total of Guangdong-Asean trade. "These rapidly growing economic relations has made learning Malay necessary for those operating businesses in Guangdong. I feel it is the responsibility of the Guangdong University of Foreign Languages to teach the language," he said. The university’s move to introduce the Malay Language Studies will make it the first in the province to do so. Although the Indonesian Language Studies have long been established in the Eastern Language and Culture Faculty, the marked difference in vocabulary between the languages has made it difficult for its graduates to find work in Malaysian-related sectors. Tan said students would continue their studies in several universities in Malaysia during the third of their four-year degree period. "At the moment, the university has two teaching staff from China and will be welcoming two more from Malaysia, this year. "We are working with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (Malaysia's Institute of Language and Literature or DBP) and they have given their strong support towards our endeavour," he said. He believes the university has a strong foundation and stable platform for the study of Malay language, literacy and culture. "I believe the setting up of the faculty is not only beneficial for Malaysia but also Brunei and Singapore, as the Malay language is widely spoken in both countries as well," he said. The university is planning to open only one class a year for the language for less than 20 local students. -- BERNAMA

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