MASTER ENGLISH AND THE WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND - DEPUTY MINISTER

JULAU (Malaysia), Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The world can be their playground if
rural students have a strong command of the English language.

Despite facing the many challenges, these students could have the edge if
they make an effort to speak and write in the language fluently, said
Information Communication and Culture Deputy Minister Joseph Salang.

"If you have a strong command (of the language), you can acquire more
knowledge and be far more marketable in job markets worldwide," he said.

Salang said this before presenting his personal annual study incentives
amounting to about RM20,000 (US$5,986) to five Primary School Evaluation Test
and 17 Lower Secondary Assessment students from his Julau constituency, at the
district education office here Friday.

Julau is a town, and the capital of the Julau District (1703.4 square
kilometers) in Sarikei Division, Sarawak, east Malaysia.

They were top scorers in the respective examinations last year.

The 17 are now studying at SMK Julau, SMK Pakan and SMK Sungai Paoh in
the Sarikei Division.

Nevertheless, Salang also reminded the rural students to master the Malay
Language, as well, as it was a passport to local job markets, too.

-- BERNAMA