The Philippine-Malaysia Chinese Education Forum was held at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) building from March 29 to 30, 2025.
Themed “Philippines-Malaysia Chinese Education Advancement”, the event brought together education officials and leaders from both countries to discuss the future of overseas Chinese education.
FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro said Chinese education in the Philippines faces challenges, such as cultural discontinuity and the loss of language proficiency, which directly impact the survival of Chinese schools and the foundation of the Chinese community.
He expressed hope that the forum would offer insights from Malaysia’s successful Chinese education system, school model, and cultural integration, which could be adapted to improve local Chinese education.
Consul Shi Weijian of the Chinese Embassy also attended the forum, expressing confidence that Malaysia’s experience in the collaboration between educational institutions, society, and the business community provides valuable lessons for the development of overseas Chinese education.
She encouraged deeper exchanges between Chinese education representatives from both countries, urging them to build consensus and jointly explore a development path suitable for the Philippines.
Malaysian delegates shared their experiences on various topics, including the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage, the development of independent Chinese high schools, the support of the business sector for Chinese education, and the challenges faced by Chinese elementary schools in Malaysia.
On the second day, experts from both countries participated in group discussions, further deepening the exchange of ideas on the future of Chinese education.
The forum marked a positive step forward in strengthening the educational and cultural ties between the Philippines and Malaysia, paving the way for future cooperation and mutual growth in Chinese education.