THE Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan well deserves Education Minister Ng Eng Hen's commendation for devising a Chinese language programme that stimulates learning in the young by enlivening its cultural context. The first batch has graduated from the association's affiliated primary schools. Called Bicep, the Bicultural Chinese Elective Programme that runs over three years offers a practical way of teaching the language by having pupils relive its historical antecedents. Upper primary school pupils on the programme study Chinese history, literature and arts. The pioneer batch went to China for a week to attend classes and visit the great sites of antiquity.

The programme helps fill a gap that has emerged as more Chinese Singaporean families have switched to speaking English at home. Six in 10 Primary 1 pupils use English for home communication, up from one in 10 in 1982. The Education Ministry is trying to mitigate the effects with a differentiated approach towards Chinese language teaching that takes into account pupils' background and absorptive capacity. Dr Ng recently reported 'promising' initial results. There was improvement in oracy, particularly among weaker pupils, mainly from English-speaking homes. Bicep focuses on stronger learners. Its first 163 participants were top pupils from an enrolment of 12,000 in the Hokkien association's affiliated schools.

The huay kuan may want to consider extending the programme to lower primary pupils faster than anticipated. Younger children will find language learning easier. Bicep will multiply its impact if its pioneers blaze a trail for many more to follow. To engage deeply and widely with China within and beyond the bilateral framework, including agreements signed during President Hu Jintao's state visit, more Singaporeans will need to develop fluency in Mandarin and attain a sophisticated understanding of Chinese culture.

Dr Ng's wish that other schools start such programmes should be noted. Non-governmental groups could sponsor bicultural initiatives that help promote Malay language proficiency and cultural understanding, as an example. Bilateral cooperation and Asean integration involve multifaceted engagement with Singapore's main neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia. Similar initiatives in Tamil will help Singaporeans reach out to a rising India in practical ways. To remain true to Singapore's inclusive multicultural tradition, these programmes should allow cross-ethnic participation. Many Singaporeans are bilingual, some are trilingual. Cultivating a passion in any or all of the three languages and cultures reinforces the national identity.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.