Over 100 non-Chinese students attend ‘Fun Learning in Huayu Camp’

MIRI (Oct 23): Some 120 non-Chinese students from SMK Merbau and SMK Pujut here attended the ‘Fun Learning in Huayu Camp’, held at SMK Merbau recently.

The camp, the first of its kind in the state, was organised by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Malaysia Education Division, and supported by the Miri Taiwan Graduates Association.

It meant to introduce participants to basic Mandarin through fun and diverse classroom activities, which greatly sparks enthusiasm to learn the language.

Conducted by two special instructors and Mandarin language teachers from Taiwan, Chou Chia Ju and Chang Tzu Tien, the camp enhanced the participants’ Mandarin language skills through engaging and interactive methods, allowing them to learn in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

TECO Malaysia Education Division director Chang Chia Lin remarked that in recent years, young people from around the world had been keen on studying the Mandarin language in Taiwan.

“In an effort to promote Chinese culture, Taiwan has established a comprehensive system for Mandarin language education, including the development of learning benchmarks, teacher training, material development, and expansion of digital learning resources.

“Taiwan also continued to promote the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), which aligns with the international language standards, to make learning Mandarin more engaging and effective,” she said in a statement, adding that Taiwan had actively promoted English-taught programmes at universities and established a Muslim-friendly environment.

“With the philosophy of ‘Learn Mandarin in Taiwan, share Mandarin with the world’, Taiwan has created a reputable mandarin education brand, offering quality courses that are ideal for both Chinese and non-Chinese students who wish to study in Taiwan or learn Mandarin.

“While immersing in language learning, students can also experience Chinese culture as well as the warm and friendly atmosphere of Taiwan.

“Currently, more than 60 universities across Taiwan have Mandarin learning centres, along with numerous learning institutions offering a wide range of programmes, they can enjoy both learning and living experience in Taiwan.”

Meanwhile, Sarawak Taiwan Graduates Association president Siew Tick Chai said learning Mandarin was not just about improving the language skills, but also about it being a cultural bridge to enable non-Chinese people to understand interact and communicate with the Chinese community.