Malaysia has achieved a commendable third position in Asia for high English proficiency, according to the recently released 2023 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI). The index, evaluating 113 countries and regions where English is not the primary language, categorizes proficiency levels from very high to very low. This news coincides with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for an enhanced focus on English proficiency among students, ensuring a dual-language emphasis without compromising the mastery of the Malay language.
In the global ranking, Malaysia secured the 25th position, showcasing its significant progress in English proficiency. Singapore leads the Asian nations in first place, followed by the Philippines, with Malaysia claiming the third spot. The EF EPI 2023 City score highlights Kuala Lumpur as the sole city to make the list, mirroring the nation's high proficiency with a score of 564.
The push for improved English proficiency stems from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's vision to equip students with bilingual capabilities, emphasizing the importance of mastering both Malay and English languages. He stated during a thanksgiving ceremony for the One Year Administration of the MADANI Government that efforts to enhance English proficiency should commence in 2024. The Prime Minister stressed the need for innovative methods to improve English language mastery while maintaining the prominence of Malay, the main language of education in Malaysia.
Anwar Ibrahim's call for improved English proficiency aligns with the country's commitment to economic growth and progress. He emphasized that while Malay remains the primary language and must be mastered by all students, additional emphasis should be placed on enhancing English language proficiency, especially in national schools.
The importance of bilingualism extends beyond education to meet the demands of international companies investing in Malaysia. Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the need for enhanced expertise and training to cater to the requirements of companies like Infineon Technologies AG from Germany, which recently announced a significant investment of RM25 billion in Malaysia. The semiconductor company plans to upgrade its facility in Kulim, Kedah, solidifying Malaysia's position in wafer fabrication and semiconductor chip packaging.
The EF EPI 2023 City score recognizes Perak as the top region in Malaysia for English proficiency, scoring 587, and Kuantan as the leading city with a remarkable score of 603. Additionally, individuals aged between 26 and 30 exhibit the highest mastery of English in the country, boasting an average score of 582.
Despite a marginal decrease of six points from the previous year, Malaysia's overall score of 568 underscores the nation's commitment to bilingual excellence. As the EF EPI utilizes the EF Standard English Test (SET), a globally recognized and standardized test, the rankings affirm Malaysia's proficiency based on the European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
In conclusion, Malaysia's rise to the third position in Asia for English proficiency signifies a remarkable achievement, reflective of the nation's dedication to fostering bilingual capabilities among its citizens. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's call for enhanced English proficiency aligns with the country's aspirations for economic growth and global competitiveness, highlighting the importance of linguistic versatility in a rapidly evolving world.
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