NIBONG TEBAL: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has endorsed the proposal to invite Singaporean volunteers to enhance English proficiency in Malaysia.

She believes that the initiative will provide valuable exposure to effective teaching and learning practices and innovative approaches for students, teachers, and schools.

"Such programmes involving teacher exchanges with countries like Korea, Australia, and the United States have a long history within the Ministry of Education," she stated at the Sekolah Pengajar and Sahabat Bahasa programme launch at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Bakap on Thursday (June 20).

Fadhlina clarified that volunteer teachers from Singapore would serve in underprivileged urban, rural, and remote areas, including Sabah and Sarawak.

She reassured that this arrangement would not incur additional costs, as some had speculated, highlighting it as a testament to the strong diplomatic ties with Singapore.

"The Singaporean government will cover the expenses of these volunteer teachers," she confirmed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously refuted claims regarding Malaysia's plans to hire Singaporean teachers, emphasizing that the initiative is a volunteer effort aimed at fostering English proficiency and strengthening Malaysia-Singapore relations.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/20/education-minister-supports-singaporean-volunteer-teaching-initiative