Expanding Third Language Programme to Include Chinese Dialects by Partnering Clan Associations and Community Organisations

Ms Valerie Lee asked the Minister for Education (a) what criteria does the Ministry use to review the languages offered under the Third Language Programme; and (b) for any Chinese dialects that may not yet meet such criteria, whether the Ministry will consider partnering Chinese clan associations and other community organisations to offer courses, to broaden students' opportunities to acquire conversational proficiency in Chinese dialects spoken within Singapore's Chinese community.

In deciding which languages to offer as Third Language, the Ministry of Education considers factors, such as strategic needs, student demand and the availability of instructional and assessment expertise in Singapore.

Students who are interested in learning dialects can explore classes organised by the community, such as clan associations, or learn them online. For example, Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Singapore Hainan Hwee Kuan run such courses.