Evaluating the programme

AS THE pioneering students are barely in their first year of university, it is too early to evaluate the results of the BSP programme.

But if one goes by the popularity of the programme, academic honours awarded to students and tie-ups with Chinese universities, the results have been gratifying.

Since 2005, an average of 330 students have been selected for the BSP each year, with numbers fluctuating between years.

For Dunman High's BSP, more students are applying for the 80 to 100 spots - from about 100 in 2007 to 120 this year, according to Dr Ong Chun Ghee, head of the bicultural studies academy at the school.

The quality of students has also risen, he noted: 'We observe that students with better results are applying for the programme, with more parents inquiring.'

Students interviewed said they will recommend the programme to their peers because it provides a well-rounded education and overseas immersion.

But Ms Serene Lim Si Ling, 19, who is studying Chinese language and literature at Fudan University, had this piece of advice: 'Students should have an open mind to accept the differences so that they can really learn from the experiences, no matter good or bad.'

Meanwhile, Ms Choo Wen Rui, 19. warned that students should join the BSP out of 'true interest'.

Said the Nanyang Technological University undergraduate, who is studying biomedical sciences and Chinese medicine: 'If you're attracted only by the overseas immersion programme, you might struggle if you're not interested in Chinese culture, especially in junior college, when you have to do a lot of reading for the China Studies class.'

One positive result of the programme: The Prime Minister's Book Prize, awarded for bilingual excellence, has been given to seven BSP students - five from Hwa Chong and two from Dunman High.

BSP students have also demonstrated their mettle by winning scholarships to universities here and abroad, especially in China.

Hwa Chong principal Ang Wee Hiong expects many of his students to qualify for public scholarships as well as those offered by private companies with business interests in China.

'In time, many will become industry leaders in areas such as journalism, broadcasting, business, teaching and academia,' he said.

Indeed, the numbers are looking up for Hwa Chong, where 34 of the 80 students in its graduating BSP batch have been awarded overseas scholarships to top institutions such as China's Beijing and Fudan universities, Britain's Oxford University and American Ivy League colleges like Dartmouth and the University of Pennsylvania.

Another important indicator would be the amount of time students spend in China, noted Chinese language expert Chua Chee Lay, who is one of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's Chinese language tutors.

It is through cultural immersion that students understand how the Chinese think, said Dr Chua, who is chief executive of Chinese language and culture research and training centre CL Lab.

One student who stood out is Ms Tan Bao Jia, 19, from Dunman High, one of the six President's Scholarship winners this year.

Bucking the trend of her predecessors who went to big-name British and American universities, she decided to study economics at Beijing University.

She joins nine former Dunman High students in her batch who are now studying in China's Fudan and Beijing universities.

In the last two years, both Hwa Chong and Dunman High have announced tie-ups which allow students to study at prestigious Chinese universities like Beijing, Fudan and Qinghua.

However, while academic results indicate how well a student understands the Chinese language, culture and history, Dr Chua cautioned that these are not enough.

'Students should have a deeper understanding of the culture they are studying, and to absorb it, make it part of their lives. That is real education,' he said.

'The highest level of evaluation is to see if students can internalise what they have learnt.'

Citing an example from the epic novel Journey To The West, one of the 'Four Classics' that capture the essence of Chinese culture, Dr Chua noted that the main character Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is a skilled and strong fighter.

It would be good if a student can pick out the strong and weak points from the story and apply what he knows to real-life situations, he said.

'A person may have a weak personality and often run away from difficulties. But he can be inspired by the Monkey King's fighting spirit, such that he develops a strong will, stops running away and changes for the better, thereby improving his life.'

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This article was first published in The Straits Times.