Abang Johari (centre) joins other distinguished guests in a gimmick launching ceremony during the 20th Global Reunion of Nanyang University Alumni dinner in Kuching on Saturday. – Photo by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING (July 19): Mastery of Mandarin is a strategic asset for Sarawakians to thrive in the new global economy and strengthen international trade, particularly with key trading partners such as China, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
While reaffirming that Bahasa Malaysia remains the national language and a symbol of national identity, he stressed that proficiency in both English and Mandarin has become indispensable in Sarawak’s export-oriented economy.
“Our economy is export-oriented, and we are a trading nation. Your survival depends on your market. The market needs Mandarin. We are selling oil palm and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China.
“As a businessman, you must know their language so that you have a basis to converse and negotiate on pricing—how much you sell, how much profit you need, and how you want to deliver your product,” he said when officiating the 20th Global Reunion of Nanyang University Alumni dinner organised by the Sarawak Nanyang University Alumni Association at a hotel here on Saturday.
Abang Johari said relying solely on interpreters during high-level trade negotiations could lead to misunderstandings that may affect business outcomes.
“If you go to China and you know Mandarin, you have solved half of the problem already. Otherwise, you need an interpreter who, for all you know, may convey a different message,” he added.
He also pointed out that overseas Chinese communities continue to play a significant role in driving economic activities across Southeast Asia, including in Thailand and Indonesia.
As such, he said neglecting Mandarin proficiency would only limit Sarawak’s ability to expand beyond its domestic market of 2.8 million people.
Reiterating the Sarawak government’s commitment to education, Abang Johari highlighted the state’s continued recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and its annual RM10 million allocation to Chinese schools.
“Sarawak recognises the UEC, and every year we provide RM10 million to Chinese schools.
“The reason is simple—we want knowledge. It would be a waste not to recognise the UEC when universities around the world already do. Refusing to recognise it will only deprive our young people of future opportunities,” he said.
Abang Johari also welcomed the growing number of Bumiputera and other native students enrolling in Chinese schools, describing it as a positive development that promotes multilingualism, cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion.
Also present at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Nanyang University Alumni chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and organising chairperson David Wong Siew Chow.
The post Premier: Mandarin mastery crucial for Sarawak’s export-oriented economy appeared first on Borneo Post Online.