Titled ‘Philippines-Malaysia Chinese Education Advancement’, the event had attracted education officials and leaders from both nations to discuss the future of overseas Chinese education. FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro explained that there are challenges that Chinese education in the Philippines has to overcome, including cultural discontinuity and loss of language skills, which directly affect Chinese schools' survival and the foundation of the Chinese community.
He hoped the forum would bring about learning from Malaysia's successful Chinese education system, school model, and culture integration, which can be adopted to enhance local Chinese education.
Chinese Embassy Consul Shi Weijian also participated in the forum and was confident that Malaysia's experience in the partnership between schools, society, and the business community serves as valuable lessons for the process of developing overseas Chinese education.
She promoted more in-depth interactions among Chinese education stakeholders from the two nations, calling on them to reach consensus and explore together a development path that is appropriate for the Philippines.
Malaysian representatives presented their experiences on several issues, such as the protection of Chinese cultural heritage, the growth of independent Chinese high schools, the business sector's support for Chinese education, and the plight of Chinese elementary schools in Malaysia.
On the second day, specialists from both nations had group discussions further solidifying the sharing of thoughts on the future of Chinese education.
The forum was a welcome step towards intensifying the education and cultural relationships between Malaysia and the Philippines and setting the stage for future collaborations and mutual progress in Chinese education.
