‘English Key to Success in Asean Integration’

Pav Suy / Khmer Times Share:

PHNOM PENH (Khmer Times) – As the Asean Economic Community (AEC) draws closer to becoming a reality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging youths to sharpen their skills and increase their English proficiency.

“English will be the only language used as a means for communication among the Asean people and youths should try to develop their language proficiency,” Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong  told a workshop on youths and the AEC, which begins next year.

Hun Many, president of the Union of Youth Federation, told those gathered at the workshop that young people should get a jump start on integration. 

“Young people should begin preparing themselves by learning languages and skills, and looking for the potential and opportunities out there,”Mr. Many said.

“They should start preparing now. Do not wait until the December 31,” he added. 

Mixed Reactions

“The community will give opportunities for all students at universities to find jobs and exchange experience with each other,” said Chan Ratha, a second-year student at the National University of Management.

“I believe my major in management will allow me to find a good job, but I also acknowledge that my English is still a concern,” he said.

Dam Sok Kakada, 15, a Grade 10 student at Westline School, said, “I do not really worry about languages because I have studied English a lot at school. But I haven’t acquired many skills yet because I am still in high school.”

Van Socheata, an economics student at the Phnom Penh International School is optimistic about the integration.

“I have no worry about the integration because my English is fairly good… My skills are also good so I can use it to get a job if there is a foreign investor coming to do business,” he said. 

“Asean is really important for youth, because if they have the ability, they can contribute to the development of the country. The difficulty always exists, but we have to brace ourselves for it,” Mr. Socheata said.

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