NEPAL plans to introduce Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as an elective subject in its schools to equip students with communication skills for a professional setting in Malaysia. 

The matter, however, needs further discussion with the Nepalese cabinet and relevant authorities, said Nepalese Education, Science and Technology Minister Giriraj Mani Pokharel, after holding a bilateral meeting with Education Minister Maszlee Malik recently. 

Giriraj also welcomed Maszlee’s proposal to set up a Malaysian language institution in the South Asian nation to teach BM to Nepalese folk. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Innovative Summit For Education 2019 in Doha, Qatar, Maszlee said: “There are approximately 357,000 Nepali currently working in Malaysia, primarily in the security, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.” 

“Teaching BM and setting up institutions would be useful when Nepalese seek employment in Malaysia, as they would be able to communicate fluently and boost their career.”

Maszlee said both leaders also discussed enhancing and improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) studies in Nepal. 

“The Nepalese minister was impressed with our German Dual Training System for TVET and for them, it would be useful. 

“This is because Nepal wants to produce skillful Nepalese workers to work abroad with better pay and TVET certification,” he said. 

Maszlee said Nepal was also looking for opportunities to send their students to pursue postgraduate studies in Malaysia, and to collaborate with Malaysian universities. 

Giriraj also extended an invitation to Maszlee to visit Nepal in conjunction with Visit Nepal 2020, and to attend the Artificial Intelligence Conference in Kathmandu next year. – Bernama, November 22, 2019.