LETTERS: Malaysian youth's growing interest in the Japanese language, owing to the cultural richness and technological advancements of Japan, has been acknowledged by many.
Despite the Education Ministry's commendable efforts to offer Japanese language education, it is still encountering significant challenges.
A major challenge is the limited availability of Japanese language teachers, which hinders the provision of quality education to meet the demand for Japanese language instruction at all levels.
To enable students to benefit from quality education and broader career opportunities, addressing the shortage of teachers is of utmost importance.
Another issue is the lack of systematic support for the professional development of Japanese language teachers, who play a crucial role in inspiring students to pursue their interests and passion for the language.
Facilitating short-term internships and inviting professionals from Malaysian institutions of higher learning to work together on professional development can upgrade the qualifications of Japanese language teachers and enable students to access quality language education.
The Education Ministry has made significant strides in developing students' multilingual skills, including proficiency in international languages such as Japanese, as highlighted in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025.
However, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity to ensure students have access to high-quality education.
The benefits of learning Japanese are diverse and students can pursue higher education in Japan or related fields in Malaysian universities and colleges.
Nonetheless, only a small number of students who learn Japanese in schools aspire to pursue their studies in Japanese or related disciplines.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide students with more opportunities to receive quality language education in a language or related discipline of their choice.
The Education Ministry should consider investing in the development of Japanese language instruction and prioritise resolving challenges faced by students and teachers.
Japanese language skills can significantly broaden students' horizons and offer opportunities for personal growth.
The ministry has the responsibility to ensure all students have access to high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
Through strategic investments and thoughtful policies, the ministry can help Malaysian youth flourish in an increasingly globalised world, while enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures.
DR TALAIBEK MUSAEV
Senior Lecturer, Japanese Programme, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times