Latest news with #EnglishProficiency
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Warisan vows to have DLP in all Sabah schools if elected to power
Sabah recorded the second-lowest score among Malaysian states in the EF English Proficiency Index. PETALING JAYA : Warisan has pledged to implement the dual language programme (DLP) so that Mathematics and Science are taught in English throughout Sabah if it is elected to form the state government. Kota Kinabalu Warisan secretary Loi Kok Liang said the party would make the DLP a core education policy and implement it comprehensively if it is returned to power. 'In today's globalised world, we cannot let the next generation of Sabahans to be left behind. 'English is not just about personal development. It is a cornerstone of national competitiveness,' Loi said in a statement. He noted that Perak had made visible progress in English proficiency, emerging as the most English-proficient state in the country, according to the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index. The EF English Proficiency Index evaluates the skills of adults in the language in over 100 countries. Perak had the highest score of 585 among Malaysian states, followed by Kedah and Penang, with 583 points each. Sabah recorded the second-lowest score among Malaysian states with 553, while Melaka ranked last with 550. Loi said Sabah must not be content with merely observing others but must act decisively to move forward. The party also intends to regularly monitor the implementation of the DLP programme. It also wants to integrate English use into the workplace in the tourism and services sectors. Loi said for real educational reforms to take place, Sabah must reclaim authority over its education policies. 'Warisan therefore pledges to re-establish the Sabah education ministry, empowering local experts to craft policies that reflect Sabah's unique context and multicultural needs.' The state education ministry was abolished in 2020, when the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government took over the administration of the state. Since then, education matters in Sabah have been subject to federal jurisdiction. In May 2023, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said granting Sabah and Sarawak administrative authority in education and health was one of the important matters discussed by Putrajaya's Malaysia Agreement 1963 secretariat.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cambridge English Qualifications Digital: Empowering Schools, Universities, and International Students with a Smarter Way to Certify English Proficiency
SINGAPORE, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's global academic landscape, the ability to demonstrate English proficiency with speed, flexibility, and confidence is more important than ever. Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, developed by Cambridge English (part of the University of Cambridge), offers a modern, computer-based exam experience that meets the evolving needs of educational institutions and international learners. Designed for students from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency, these digital qualifications provide the same trusted content and rigorous standards as traditional paper-based exams, while introducing a range of digital enhancements that make the testing process more accessible, efficient, and student-friendly. Whether preparing for university admission, applying for international study programs, or meeting graduation requirements, Cambridge English Qualifications Digital helps learners showcase their language skills with confidence and credibility. For schools and universities, the digital format offers greater scheduling flexibility, faster results, and a streamlined exam experience that aligns with the digital learning environments students are already familiar with. For international students, it provides a globally recognised certification that supports academic mobility and opens doors to higher education and career opportunities worldwide. A Seamless Fit for Modern Education Cambridge English Qualifications Digital are designed to integrate effortlessly into the academic calendar and digital infrastructure of schools and universities. With more exam dates and locations available, institutions can offer students greater choice and convenience, reducing scheduling conflicts and administrative overhead. The digital format also supports faster turnaround times for results, enabling institutions to make timely decisions on admissions, course placements, and graduation eligibility. This is especially valuable for international students who often face tight deadlines for visa applications, scholarship submissions, or university enrolment. "The digital exams have made it easier for us to plan around our academic calendar. Students appreciate the flexibility, and we appreciate the efficiency," says the Director of Language Programs at a leading European university. Designed for Digital Natives Today's students are digital natives. They learn, communicate, and collaborate in digital environments—and they expect their assessments to reflect that reality. Cambridge English Qualifications Digital are built with this in mind, offering a user-friendly interface and intuitive tools that help students perform at their best. Watch the video:The preferred exam experience | Cambridge English Qualifications Digital Key Features: Listening Test: Candidates use headphones with individual volume control, ensuring a comfortable and distraction-free experience. Writing Test: Features like automatic word count, spell check, and easy editing allow candidates to focus on content rather than formatting. Reading Test: On-screen tools enable highlighting, note-taking, and answer review, helping candidates manage their time and strategy effectively. Speaking Test: Remains face-to-face, preserving the real-world communication skills that Cambridge English is known for. These features not only enhance the candidate experience but also reflect the digital communication skills students will need in academic and professional settings. Trusted by Educators, Preferred by Students Cambridge English Qualifications Digital are already being used by schools and universities around the world, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both educators and learners. "It's all advantages for candidates. They like doing it. My students keep coming back to do more exams," says Alex, a teacher from Spain. "The digital format really helps students feel more confident. They're used to typing and navigating screens—it's second nature to them," adds Selin, a teacher in Turkey. For educators, the digital exams offer a reliable and scalable solution that aligns with modern teaching practices. For students, they provide a familiar and empowering way to demonstrate their language skills. No Need to Change How You Teach One of the most reassuring aspects for schools and universities is that the digital exams test the same knowledge and skills as the paper-based versions. This means there's no need to overhaul teaching methods or materials. Teachers can continue using their existing coursebooks and lesson plans while integrating digital practice tools to help students become familiar with the exam format. Cambridge English also provides a wide range of free and premium preparation resources to support both classroom instruction and independent study. Powerful Digital Preparation Tools To help students prepare effectively, Cambridge English offers a suite of digital tools that mirror the exam experience and build confidence: Test & Train: A mobile-friendly platform offering bite-sized practice tasks with instant feedback and expert tips. Ideal for both classroom use and self-study. Authentic Digital Practice Tests: Realistic mock exams that replicate the digital exam environment and provide auto-marked results. Video Tutorials and Sample Tests: Free, level-specific resources that help candidates understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively. "Test & Train is really useful because students can practise on the go. If they have it on their phone, they can even be sitting on the bus or the metro and do a few exercises," says Sarah, an Examination Centre Deputy Director. These tools not only improve exam readiness but also support broader language development goals. Supporting International Students For international students, Cambridge English Qualifications Digital offer a fast, flexible, and globally recognised way to prove English proficiency. Whether applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or beyond, these qualifications are accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. The digital format also helps reduce logistical barriers. Students can choose from a wider range of test dates and locations, and receive their results more quickly - making it easier to meet application deadlines and visa requirements. "Having access to a digital exam meant I could take the test in my home country and still meet my university's deadline. It made the whole process much less stressful," says Amina, an international student from Morocco. A Commitment to Quality and Innovation As part of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge English is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, fairness, and innovation. The digital exams are developed using cutting-edge research in language assessment and educational technology, ensuring they remain valid, reliable, and globally recognised. Hybrid marking has also been introduced for the Writing component at B1 and B2 levels, combining human expertise with digital efficiency to deliver accurate and timely results. Ready to Bring Digital Exams to Your Institution? Whether you're a school administrator, university admissions officer, or international student advisor, Cambridge English Qualifications Digital offer a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to support your learners' success. Visit to: Explore exam levels and formats Access free preparation resources Find your nearest exam centre Book your digital exam ************************************************************ About Cambridge English Cambridge English is the producer and proud co-owner of IELTS, the world's leading English test for migration and higher education. We help millions of people learn English and prove their skills to the world. Part of the University of Cambridge, we provide the world's leading range of qualifications and tests for learners and teachers of English. For us, learning English is more than just exams and grades. It's about having the confidence to communicate and access a lifetime of enriching experiences and opportunities. Whether you're planning to live, work or study in your own country or abroad, we can give you the English language skills to succeed. We provide the world's leading range of qualifications and tests for learners and teachers of English. Globally recognised by more than 25,000 leading universities, employers and governments, our research-based assessments are a mark of excellence that open doors. Our work is supported around the world by a network of 2,800 exam centres, over 50,000 schools and tens of thousands of examiners, teachers, education experts and publishers. Working together, we inspire learners to go further. With the right support, learning a language is an exhilarating journey. We're with you every step of the way. ************************************************************* What we believe – To learn English is to enjoy and experience a language that opens up opportunities across the world. What we offer – Together with teachers and our partners, we're here to engage and inspire millions of people throughout their entire English language learning journey, helping them confidently prove their skills to the world. How we do things and the impact we have – As part of a university with global reputation for academic excellence, we create insights derived from deep research, expertise and experiences. This ensures our unique approach meets the real-life needs of learners through inclusive and accessible products and services. The global role of English – As a global language, English unlocks a lifetime of experiences, and – because language is at the heart of being human – we help people everywhere connect, communicate and come closer together. What we promise – Where your world grows. - END - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cambridge English Sign in to access your portfolio
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Husband fears missing childbirth due to Labour's new English proficiency test
A couple fear they will be unable to be together for the birth of their first child due to Labour's plan to increase the standard of English proficiency required before people can enter the UK. The plans are contained in the new immigration white paper that introduces a new English language requirement across a broader range of immigration routes for both main applicants and dependants, including an assessment of improvements over time. Elen Soghomonyan, 23, and her husband Dmitri Piliposyan, 25, married in January 2022. Soghomonyan is a British citizen, born and raised in the UK, who graduated from Royal Holloway University of London in law with criminology and hopes to train as a barrister. She is of Armenian heritage, and the couple married in Armenia as Piliposyan does not have permission to come to the UK. Soghomonyan, who is 11 weeks pregnant, travels to Armenia every couple of months to see her husband. However, although Home Office officials say Piliposyan meets the entry criteria in terms of the couple's relationship and the income requirement he has not passed the English test. He and his wife say this is because he has been diagnosed with diffuse sclerosis, a condition that causes fatigue, weakness in his legs and an inability to concentrate and memorise things. The department rejected a request from his lawyer for an exemption from the English test requirement due to his medical condition, saying that the case does not meet the 'exceptional circumstances' measure for an exemption. The couple are appealing against the refusal. When they heard the announcement on Monday about the government's plan to introduce a higher bar for English proficiency they were both devastated. Soghomonyan said: 'My husband has tried to pass the English exam a few times but his medical condition got in the way. The announcement that they are making the English requirement harder made me feel very angry and disappointed. It is just unfair and is no way for us to build a civilised marriage. It is very difficult for us to be apart from each other.' She said that she and her husband speak every day on the phone and sometimes have WhatsApp video call connecting them while they're sleeping as a substitute for being physically together. 'The whole visa application process with the Home Office has caused me anxiety and depression, something I never previously experienced,' said Soghomonyan. 'I never had any mental health issues before but this whole situation with the Home Office has turned my world around completely one million per cent. I don't even know if my husband will be with me when I give birth.' Piliposyan said: 'Just when I think I am getting closer to live with my wife, the Home Office add another hurdle. I have always dreamt of creating my own family life, but the Home Office has built the wall in front of us. I am truly devastated. The most valuable person in my life is my wife and I find it difficult to be without her. She paints my life with beautiful colours.' The couple's solicitor, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, said: 'A British citizen, born and raised in the UK, is being forced to live apart from her husband. He has been diagnosed with a disability, but despite clear medical evidence, the application for an exemption from the English test requirement was denied. 'Under the government's new white paper, English language requirements will be expanded, making it even harder for families to reunite or settle – especially those affected by disability. What kind of system denies a British citizen the right to choose their life partner? What kind of fairness is this?' The Home Office has been approached for comment.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Arrivals may need better English as part of migration crackdown, suggests No 10
The Government will crack down on record high levels of migration in a forthcoming document, No 10 has suggested, amid reports migrants will need a higher standard of English to work in the UK. The immigration White Paper is expected to be published next week and is likely to include measures aimed at reducing net migration into the UK, which stood at 728,000 in 2024. Sir Keir Starmer is aiming to counter the rise of Reform UK with a tougher approach to migration in the wake of his party's local election losses. Migrants may have to learn a higher standard of English to work in the UK and wait for longer before they can settle permanently as part of the White Paper's reforms, newspaper reports have suggested. Downing Street would not directly comment on the reports, but insisted ministers were 'focused on bringing down the last government's record high levels of migration and tackling the causes behind it'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman added: 'Our upcoming immigration White Paper will set out a package of measures to do exactly that. 'I am not to speculate on the details of the White Paper in this stage, obviously, but proficiency and language and being able to communicate are of course essential parts of integration.' Elsewhere, Antonia Romeo, the chief civil servant at the Home Office, would not speculate on what was in the White Paper as she appeared before a committee of MPs. Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee, the Home Office permanent secretary said: 'I would like to say that the immigration White Paper, which aims to join up skills, immigration and the labour market requirements – so a very important way of thinking about immigration in the context of what is needed in the labour market – is going to be published shortly. 'So at that point, it might be better to have to give more detail on what you have just mentioned, should it be in the paper.' Among the strict new measures under consideration is raising English language proficiency required by migrants applying for a UK work visa, according to The Times. They would in future be required to have the equivalent of a foreign language A-level standard of English, rather than the GCSE standard currently required, the newspaper said. Elsewhere, the Financial Times (FT) reported that migrants will be required to wait as long as 10 years before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Most migrants who come to Britain on time-limited work visas can currently make an application for indefinite leave to remain after five years. This paves the way for them to apply for benefits and the path towards UK citizenship. The wait could be extended to 10 years if migrants have spent too much time outside the UK since arriving or if there are questions about their financial status, the FT said. Similar plans to extend the waiting period for indefinite leave to remain were set out by the Conservatives on Tuesday. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp claimed the Government had 'resorted to trying to rip off parts of Conservative migration policy'. The Government has 'realised the Conservatives were right all along – but apparently haven't had the courage to bring forward our plans in full', he claimed. Mr Philp added: 'We will always work to put the national interest first. If Labour were serious about doing the same, they would back our other proposals such as dis-applying the Human Rights Act and deporting all foreign criminals.' The Tories' 'Deportation Bill' and Labour's plans to toughen its migration response come as both parties aim to win back voters from Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The party, which has positioned itself as tough on migration, won hundreds of local council seats and wrested control of the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary constituency from Labour on May 1. Official figures show net migration has soared since the UK left the EU in January 2020, reaching a record high of 903,000 in the year to June 2023 before falling back slightly to 728,000 in the following year.
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
President Trump Cracks Down on English Proficiency for Truck Drivers
President Trump signed an executive order mandating English proficiency for truck drivers. I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. President Trump wasn't fooling around when he declared English to be our official language and he's following up on his declaration with another executive order. This order requires commercial truck drivers to be at least proficient in English, which means they must be able to communicate with officials and the public, as well as to write the necessary paperwork. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy will oversee the order and determine how it is enforced. This may also involve removing truckers who aren't able to meet the standard. President Trump feels an inability to communicate in English at least at a basic level compromises the safety of American roadways. But this requirement isn't actually a new thing, apparently English proficiency along with other basic standards have long been a requirement but one that- shocker- hasn't always been rigidly enforced. This may seem like small potatoes but it's not. If you're going to live and work in the USA, you should have a basic ability to communicate in English. I'm Tomi Lahren and you watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
