ALOR SETAR: Young people who are proficient in English stand to gain broader access to global knowledge, international education opportunities and cross-border careers, positioning themselves for a brighter and more competitive future.
Raja Puan Muda of Kedah, Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff, emphasised that English proficiency is no longer merely an added advantage, but a strategic necessity in an increasingly interconnected and digitalised world. She noted that English dominates key fields such as science, technology, innovation and the digital economy.
According to her, mastery of the language enables youth to tap into international academic resources, pursue overseas scholarships and engage with global industries. In a rapidly evolving job market, strong communication skills in English can significantly enhance employability and professional mobility.
At the same time, the Raja Puan Muda underscored the importance of preserving Bahasa Malaysia as the cornerstone of national identity and unity. She stressed that embracing English should not be misconstrued as diminishing the role or value of the national language.
“Language is not merely a tool for communication; it embodies identity, culture and social cohesion. In Kedah, Bahasa Malaysia remains the unifying language across communities and must continue to be respected and upheld,” she said.
Addressing concerns raised by some leaders who fear that widespread use of English could dilute national identity, she encouraged young Malaysians to view such challenges as motivation to prove otherwise.
“Young people must demonstrate that mastering English alongside Bahasa Malaysia is not a betrayal of who we are, but a bridge to broader horizons and a more promising future,” she added.
The Raja Puan Muda delivered her remarks during the Kedah-level celebration of Children’s Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens’ Day at Dewan Seri Mentaloon.
She further noted that bilingual or multilingual individuals are better equipped to engage confidently with the global community while remaining firmly rooted in Malaysian values. Such individuals, she said, can act as cultural ambassadors who project Malaysia’s image on the world stage.
She called on educators, parents and the wider community to support language development from an early age, ensuring that the younger generation is well-prepared to navigate future challenges with confidence and integrity.