In an effort to ensure that Malaysian undergraduates come out of university with sufficent command of the English language, the Higher Education Ministry has made it mandatory for undergrads who are weak in English to undergo extra English classes from this year onwards.

While the implementation of the extra classes is still in the works, the HE Ministry has clearly suggested that these classes span at least two hours a week. But if you think that our undergrads will be let off with just two hours of extra classes every week, think again. In fact, these extra classes are merely part of an overall programme to improve the communication skills of Malaysian undergraduates. We’re actually talking about more presentations and debates throughout their university course, not only to improve their communication skills, but also to train their critical thinking.

Well, I wouldn’t want to play down the significance of the Government’s move, but I really have to say that it’s about time more action has been taken to improve the communication skills of our undergraduates. Indeed, over the past decade, quite a number of measures have been taken (e.g. MUET), but they have never been enough. Hopefully, we’ll see substantial results this time.

[News via Bernama]