Hokkien association, NUS launch Mandarin programme for adults

SINGAPORE — As part of efforts to boost the learning of Chinese language and culture, the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) Cultural Academy and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Centre for Language Studies have formed a partnership that will kick off with a relaunch of an Intensive Mandarin Programme.

The full-time programme is targeted at adult learners who wish to learn or improve their fluency in Mandarin. It will offer six 11-week modules, each designed to suit students with different proficiency levels.

With the SHHK Cultural Academy on board, the programme will also feature more local cultural and heritage content, with field trips on various customs and practices, said SHHK secretary-general Sim Bee Hia.

Each module costs S$3,800, with classes ranging from basic grammar to business communication skills.

A placement test and interview will be conducted to determine students’ proficiency. At the end of the module, students will be tested to assess their progress and will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency in Chinese Language by the NUS Centre for Language Studies.

The two organisations yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mark the partnership. Under the MOU, the NUS Centre for Language Studies will lead the academic aspects, while SHHK Cultural Academy will undertake the promotion, marketing and other administrative matters.

The programme will welcome its first intake in July. Applications are now open. TAN SHI WEI