SINGAPORE may pride itself on its bilingual education system, but there are few who can be relied on to do instant translation on big occasions, say veteran interpreters here.

Part of the problem is that there is no telling who is qualified, with no professional body to certify interpreters.

This will soon change though, with SIM University (UniSIM) launching the first certification examination for interpreters and translators here on Wednesday.

The first to go through the exam later this year will be diplomatic officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The exam will be open to the public next year .

Called the Certification Examination for Professional Interpreters (Cepi), it will be for English and Chinese translation initially. This may be extended to English and Tamil, as well as English and Malay, depending on demand.

UniSIM, which runs the only degree course in translation and interpretation available here, has also set up an advisory committee to design the certification system.

As one of the committee members, Mr Lau Ping Sum, noted, 'Although bilingual education has been implemented for nearly 40 years, Singapore still faces a shortage of qualified interpreters who can do simultaneous interpretation at a high level.'

The certification exam can help raise standards and professionalism, added Mr Lau, a former Member of Parliament and part-time Parliament interpreter.

Three years ago, there were estimated to be 500 full-time and 550 part-time interpreters and translators here, with the market here valued at about S$8 million a year.