Singapore on Friday announced the implementation of a "bicultural studies program" (BSP) next year to nurture more students with advanced knowledge of Chinese language and culture.

"To engage China as it grows in importance, Singapore needs a core group of students who are not only highly competent in Chinese, but also have a strong understanding of China's history, culture and contemporary developments," the Singapore Ministry of Education said in a statement.

The ministry said that the island state needs to nurture a bicultural orientation amongst these students so that they can understand and engage the Chinese as well as relate to the West.

From next year, the ministry will start the bicultural studies program in the schools such as the Chinese High School, Nanyang Girls High School and Dunman High School.

Under the four-year program, students will be able to offer electives such as Chinese history and Chinese philosophy.

The ministry will organize enrichment programs such as the Bicultural Studies Camp and Bicultural Studies Symposium for students from the different BSP schools to interact and share their experiences among themselves and with the community.

The ministry will also start the Special Assistance Program (SAP)scholarship scheme for highly able students in the BSP. The SAP scholars will be given a scholarship allowance of 1,000 Singapore dollars (about 587.4 US dollars) per annum, and their school fees will also be waived.

In addition, they will also receive funding for immersion in China for up to six months, and in another Western country for another two weeks.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2004)