Extract of Speech Delivered by Quek Ngee Meng, Director of MCA Lifelong Learning on the Launching Ceremony of Basic English Speaking Skills for Taxi Drivers Programme
(17 May 2009)

In response to the economic difficulties, MCA Lifelong Learning launched the Break Through Learning Series in collaboration with the Centre for Extension Education of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR-CEE). This project aims to help the lower income groups to increase their resilience and break through the current economic downturn.

During this economic turmoil, the lower income groups would be most severely impacted. Thus, a series of public talks and short courses which are specially designed to meet the needs will be conducted to help the lower income groups, namely workers, hawkers, taxi drivers and fresh graduates, to turn adversity into opportunity. Continuous learning and training help to strengthen and develop their key skills as well as building a positive mindset.

Since February 2009, 10 events had been held under the Break Through Learning Series and attracted more than 1800 participants. Among the past events include Resume Clinic workshop for the unemployed, Tax Saving seminar for the hawkers and tax payers that fall into the lower income bracket as well as Image Building seminar for the young office ladies.   

Basic English Speaking Skills for Taxi Drivers aims to help the taxi drivers to improve their English speaking skills. Thus, the course syllabus and course materials are specially designed by UTAR-CEE to meet their learning needs. A number of 208 participants registered for this short course and they are divided into 4 classes. This event received a great support from the taxi associations and taxi drivers, especially the three co-organisers: Persatuan Pemilik Dan Pemandu Teksi Selangor Dan W.P, Persatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Teksi Kuala Lumpur and Persatuan Radio Taxi Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan.

MCA Lifelong Learning will be structured under the Community Education Development, which is an effort of re-positioning in order to meet the social and economic changes. The three important strategies are Increase Competitiveness, Civic Awareness and Humanities and Lifestyle. MCA Lifelong Learning will continue to strive for providing easy accessible and affordable learning programmes for the community.