There is an apparent increasing trend of non-Chinese parents sending their children to Chinese schools (SJKC) in Malaysia.
According to a report by Sinar Harian, the data from the Chinese School Committee Association, the Malaysian Chinese School Teachers Association (Dong Jiao Zong) and the Ministry of Education (KPM) shows that the number of non-Chinese students in SJKC in 1989 was 17,309 (3.05%) before it increased to 52,043 (8.66%) in 1998.
This number then jumped to 72,443 (11.84%) in 2010 and 101,011 (19.75%) in 2020.
Why are parents choosing Chinese schools?
It is believed that non-Chinese parents are choosing SJKC based on several factors including the mindset that SJKC has good learning systems and student discipline with quality teaching staff.
Additionally, parents are also confident that their kids will receive more opportunities if they succeed in mastering the Chinese language.
Currently, non-Chinese students including Malays, Indians, Orang Asli and foreigners make up about 20% of the total enrollment across Malaysian Chinese schools.
Admitting a non-Chinese student into an SJKC is the same as entering them into an unfamiliar environment.
They have to start learning from scratch and adapting, either in terms of a new language or culture because Chinese is not their spoken language. Barriers to language learning and communication problems with classmates are unavoidable challenges.
And the students are not the only ones to face these various challenges as teachers will also experience them.
Hence, non-Chinese parents are encouraged to assist their kids in learning Mandarin through outside help or even by taking up Mandarin classes themselves so that they can practice the language with their children at home.
However, this does not mean that non-Chinese students are not encouraged to join Chinese schools.
Headmaster of SJK (C) Chung Hien in Sarikei, Sarawak, Lei Kok Kien, shared his pride in watching non-Chinese students adapt to Chinese schools.
“The willingness of non-Chinese students to accept Chinese education makes us proud because it shows the importance of the Chinese language,” he said.
Another headmaster, Yee Chon Moi from SJK (C) Kampung Baru Paroi in Seremban believes that non-Chinese students enjoy studying at SJKC.
She introduced the ‘Saya Belajar Mandarin’ (I’m learning Mandarin) program for non-Chinese students in Standard 1 to Standard 3, with the help of a friend who heads a kindergarten.
Would you consider sending your child to a Chinese school? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Puchong Residents are Protesting the Construction of a Chinese School in Their Area, Here’s Why!
