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20 Years of Malay Language Learning and Promotion – "Sowing the Language, Harvesting the Fruits for Generations"

Published on: 18 Sep 2026

NewsPress releases

The Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee (MLLPC) commemorated its 20th anniversary on 19 September 2026 with a Pesta Rakyat (Community Festival) themed “20 Tahun Menyemai Bahasa, Menuai Generasi” (20 years of Sowing the Language, Harvesting the Fruits for Generations), celebrating two decades of promoting the learning and use of the Malay language in Singapore and nurturing generations of confident Malay language users.

2.Guest-of-Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Chairperson of the MLLPC, graced the event at the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC). The celebration, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the MHC under the National Heritage Board (NHB), also featured an appreciation ceremony for MLLPC’s key partners and the presentation of awards for the Peraduan Menulis Cerpen ‘Orang Singapura’ (‘Orang Singapura’ Short Story Writing Competition).

Two Decades of Malay Language Learning and Promotion

3.Since its establishment by MOE in 2006, MLLPC has worked with schools, educators, community organisations, and cultural partners to promote the learning and use of the Malay language beyond the classroom. Over the years, programmes such as Fiesta Bahasa1, Katapella2, Kembara Nusantara3, and Kuiz Cepat Tepat 2.04 have cultivated students’ interest in Malay language, literature, and culture, creating meaningful opportunities for learning and expression. These programmes have drawn strong engagement and participation; Katapella, for instance, was the most-watched programme on Mediacorp Suria in 2025 with 91,000 unique viewers, while the number of participating pre-schools for Kembara Nusantara grew from 71 to 118 between 2025 and 2026. MLLPC has also supported the local Malay literary scene through publications such as the popular Nabil Nabilah Reader Series5, and an annual grant call that has supported the creation of five new books for children and young adults.

4.Emphasising the vital role of community in language use, Dr Syed Harun said: “It is through unity and consensus that we will succeed in our efforts. Through our collective commitment and community-wide efforts, I am confident that we will empower and nurture our youths to be not only linguistically proficient, but also deeply rooted in the values and identity of our heritage.”

Community Comes Alive at Pesta Rakyat

5.The one-day Pesta Rakyat opened its doors to the public with interactive booths and cultural performances by schools and community organisations, inspired by the spirit of traditional Malay festivities. Visitors enjoyed activities ranging from traditional Malay language games to craft-making, alongside cultural performances such as silat, boria, Malay folk songs, drama performances and poetry recitation.

6.Among the highlights was “Cabaran 20 Saat” (20-Second Challenge), where 15 participating primary and secondary schools raced against the clock to complete a series of fun, fast-paced challenges. The event was further elevated by a musical theatre performance by live arts organisation T3at3r Muzikal Collective, adding an extra dimension of creativity and energy to the day’s cultural showcase. More than a festival, the Pesta Rakyat was a celebration of the community that has kept Malay language and culture alive and thriving.

Winners of the ‘Orang Singapura’ Short Story Writing Competition

7.The annual Peraduan Menulis Cerpen ‘Orang Singapura’ (‘Orang Singapura’ Short Story Writing Competition), first launched in 2025, invites students to craft stories around themes drawn from selected songs by renowned local composer, the late Mr Zubir Said. This year, 535 students across primary schools, secondary schools, and post-secondary education institutes participated in the competition, which provides young writers with a platform for creative expression and builds their confidence in Malay writing. Thirty students emerged as winners and received their awards from Dr Syed Harun at the event. See Annex for the list of winners.

Looking to the Future

8.Looking ahead, MLLPC remains committed to fostering an appreciation for the Malay language that extends beyond school. Through deeper partnerships with schools, educators, and community organisations, the Committee will keep the Malay language relevant and valued across generations.

Footnotes
  1. Fiesta Bahasa is an annual event designed to cultivate joy and enthusiasm in learning the Malay language among students and the community through on-site activities focused on creative expression and presentation, as well as interactive learning booths.
  2. Katapella is a national Malay choral recitation competition for primary and secondary students that fosters in them a deeper appreciation for Malay language and culture beyond the classroom.
  3. Kembara Nusantara is a pre-school programme organised in collaboration with the Mandai Wildlife Group to promote the teaching and learning of the Malay language through fun-filled activities at the Singapore Zoo.
  4. Kuiz Cepat Tepat 2.0 is a game show that tests secondary school students’ knowledge and understanding of Malay language and culture through a series of challenging quizzes.
  5. The Nabil Nabilah Reader Series is a collection of 62 Malay storybooks that encourage pre-school and primary students to cultivate a positive disposition towards reading during and beyond their Malay Language lessons.

About the Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee

The Malay Language Learning and Promotion Committee (MLLPC) was established in February 2006 by the Ministry of Education to bring together schools, community leaders, Malay organisations, the media and professional bodies to foster the learning of Malay language, literature and culture beyond the classroom. Currently chaired by Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development, the MLLPC actively organises engaging and interactive activities that inspire students and nurture a lasting appreciation for Malay language and culture. For more information, please visit mllpc.moe.gov.sg.