Taiwan ranked ninth among 12 Asian countries rated in an English skills index published in Chinese yesterday, outperforming only Vietnam, China and Thailand.
The result was reported by international education company Education First, which rated 1.7 million adults from 54 countries worldwide from 2009 to last year based on tests covering English listening and reading proficiency.
Taiwan ranked ninth in Asia and 30th in the world, and its global ranking was within the 26th-to-38th range that represents low proficiency, the company’s English Proficiency Index showed.
Singapore, Malaysia, India and Pakistan — countries where English is an official language — led Asian countries in the rankings, followed by South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Globally, European countries, led by Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway, topped the list.
Commenting on Singapore and Malaysia’s English skills, Education First senior vice president Christopher McCormick said the two nations have higher levels of proficiency because of their multi-ethnic populations who rely on English to communicate.
Although South Korea (21st) and Japan (22nd) put a high priority on education, the lack of an English-speaking environment, the focus on memorization and passive interaction between teachers and students led to proficiency levels falling below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average, he said.
McCormick suggested that Taiwan improve the public’s English ability in general to boost its competitiveness internationally.
The report also highlighted the discrepancy in English proficiency among different industries. Employees in the tourism, consultancy and telecommunications sectors topped the list, while civil servants came in last.
However, Education First added that the test was voluntary and many people who are highly proficient in English were not likely to have taken it.
The company said the index does not necessarily represent the actual situation, but could serve as a reference for governments when drawing up education strategies.
The English version of the index was published late last month. Education First’s Taiwan branch released the Chinese-language version yesterday at an event attended by local high-school English teachers to discuss the nation’s English language education.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday laid out the Cabinet’s updated policy agenda and recapped the government’s achievements ahead of the one-year anniversary of President William Lai’s (賴清德) inauguration. Cho said the government had made progress across a range of areas, including rebuilding Hualien, cracking down on fraud, improving pedestrian safety and promoting economic growth. “I hope the public will not have the impression that the Cabinet only asked the legislature to reconsider a bunch of legal amendments,” Cho said, calling the moves “necessary” to protect constitutional governance and the public’s interest. The Cabinet would work toward achieving its “1+7” plan, he said. The
RSS