Malaysia has highest level of English proficiency in Asia - Latest - New Straits Times - 0 views
www.nst.com.my/...h-proficiency-in-asia-1.393697
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climbed two notches higher to 11th place from 13th position last year in the EF English Proficiency Index which saw over 60 countries being surveyed.
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Malaysia, which was placed in the ‘High Proficiency’ category, had overtaken Singapore who fell behind to 12th position in the world ranking. Malaysia scored 58.99 points in the survey while neighbouring Singapore received a 58.92 score.
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The analysis of evolving English proficiency over a six-year period (2007 to 2012 inclusive) uses test data from nearly five million adults. EF Academic Affairs and Research Network head Dr. Christopher McCormick said: “Comparison of countries with their neighbours, trading partners, and rivals provides a fascinating study in divergent national priorities and educational policies worldwide,”
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some Asian countries, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, have transformed their English proficiency over the six-year period.
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“China has also improved, although less dramatically. Japan and South Korea, despite enormous private investments, have declined slightly,” the statement said.
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English language skills were improving in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. “This year, India and Russia have moved ahead of China, and Brazil is closing in fast.
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“While the rest of Europe is already proficient in English or steadily working towards that goal, France is on an entirely different trajectory.” However, the EF found that the Middle East and North Africa were the weakest regions in English.