1 in 5 Chinese school kids in Malaysia aren’t even Chinese
Non-Chinese students comprised 18% of Chinese-language primary schools in 2016, according to Malaysia Education Ministry Statistics, or almost 1 in 5 students.
The enrolment of non-Chinese students particularly Malays and Indians actually rose by over 20% between 2010 and 2014. Compared to more than 90% Malay population in national-type schools, it looks like Chinese schools in Malaysia are actually more racially diverse.
“Our research shows these vernacular schools, within 10 years, are likely to become the mainstream schools as more non-Chinese parents are refusing to sign up their kids in national schools” (Prof Dr Teo Kok Seong, retired National Education Advisory Council member.)
- Outside of China and Taiwan, Malaysia is the ONLY country that has a complete Chinese education system.
- Malaysian parents have the option for their children to start school in a Chinese-medium kindergarten then study all the way up to a Chinese university, regardless of race.
- Malaysia is also the only country in Southeast Asia that has maintained the Chinese education system established during British colonial era.
Is it difficult for a native Malay speaker to learn Mandarin Chinese?
It’s only difficult when you don’t give yourself a chance. When there is a will, there is a way.