By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 19: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says knowing Mandarin solves “half the problem” when doing business with China, as language skills become increasingly important for Sarawakians seeking opportunities in an export-oriented economy.
He said Sarawak’s export-driven economy and trading activities required businesses to understand their markets, particularly as the State exports commodities such as palm oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China.
“As a businessman, you have to negotiate. You must know their language so that you have a basis to converse and negotiate on pricing — how much you sell, how much profit you need, and how you want to send your product to China.
“If you go to China and you know Mandarin, you solve half of the problem already. Otherwise, you need an interpreter, and that interpreter may send a different message for all you know,” he said at the 20th Global Reunion of Nanyang University Alumni dinner reception at Imperial Hotel Kuching last night (July 18).
Abang Johari said Sarawakians must also understand the role of regional business networks in expanding trade opportunities, particularly in Southeast Asia where Chinese business communities have long been involved in commerce.
He said failing to equip Sarawakians with Mandarin skills could limit their ability to tap into wider markets.
“That is why, in the whole economy of Southeast Asia, you have what I call overseas Chinese. Whether you like it or not, if you want to have trade relationships with Thailand and Indonesia, you have to understand that Chinese business communities are part of the economic landscape,” he said.
Abang Johari said this was among the reasons Sarawak continued to emphasise education, including recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and supporting Chinese schools.
He said the Sarawak government provides RM10 million annually in allocations for Chinese schools, adding that the objective was to ensure students had access to knowledge and skills needed for the future.
“You may ask us why? The answer is simple. Because we want to get knowledge, that’s all,” he added.
He said recognising UEC was also necessary as universities in many other countries had accepted the qualification, warning that failing to do so could limit students’ future opportunities.
“It would be a waste if you don’t recognise UEC because universities in other countries have recognised UEC. And you will deprive their future.
“We have to accept the fact that besides our national language as our national identity, English and Mandarin are important in the new global economy,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Sarawak Nanyang University Alumni Association chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King; and 20th Nanyang University Global Reunion dinner reception organising chairperson David Wong Siew Chow. — DayakDaily
