Asian Chinese-language educators meet to explore new ideas
( 2001-12-07 15:02 ) (8 )

Over 400 Chinese-language educators from 12 Asia-Pacific countries and regions kicked off a gathering in Bangkok on Friday, aimed to brainstorm teaching theories and methods of the Chinese language in the new situation.

"With China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Beijing's prospect as host of the 2008 Olympic Games, there will be a good chance for promoting Chinese language and culture in the region and elsewhere in the world," said Liang Bin, chairwoman of Thailand's Chinese Private Schools Association, at the opening ceremony of the 4th Southeast Asian Chinese Language Teaching Convention.

During the meeting, to be held in Bangkok between December 7 and 10, delegates will focus on how to make teaching methods adaptable to the information era and a new world which sees a stronger and more prosperous China, according to Liang.

Boonsong Srifuengfung, chairman of Thailand's Chinese Chamber of Commerce, hailed the meeting as "a strong evidence of the rapid growth of the Chinese language and expanding influence of the Chinese culture."

"I believe with the raise of China's economic power, Chinese is becoming one of the most important ways of communications in the world," he said in his speech.

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Yan Ting-ai predicted that as China and Southeast Asia move closer to each other, there will be a huge demand for Chinese language.

"The Chinese government will actively support Chinese-language teaching in this region," he said.

Thai Deputy Education Minister Chamlong Khrutkhunthot noted that Thai people are getting more and more interested in Chinese due to the growing ties between Thailand and China.

"Many Thai schools have already been involved in the Chinese-language teaching and the government will be happy to support all the efforts to promote the quality of the Chinese-language education," he said.

Since it was first convened in 1995 in Singapore, the regional Chinese-language teaching forum has been growing rapidly with increasing influence and number of participants.