Malay Language Elective Programme

Develop your Malay language skills and cultural knowledge through JPJC's two-year Malay Language Elective Programme, featuring overseas immersion trips, community partnerships, and enrichment activities.

Last updated 8 July 2026

‘Advocates of Humanitarian Values’ (Penggerak Nilai Kemanusiaan)

Introduction

In 2012, Pioneer Junior College (PJC) was selected to be the 3rd Malay Language Elective Programme (MLEP) in Singapore. The Malay Language Elective Programme (MLEP) was introduced in 2001 by the Ministry of Education as a platform for students who have the interest and inclination to study Malay language at a higher level. The programme offers a wide range of activities to enhance students’ language skills and interest in Malay language, literature and culture. In 2019, MLEP continues to be offered at the new merged college, Jurong Pioneer Junior College.

MLEP is a two-year programme which prepares students for the GCE ‘A’ Level H2 Malay Language and Literature with the option to offer H3 Malay. The programme aims to develop Malay scholars who are ‘Advocates of Humanitarian Values’ (Penggerak Nilai Kemanusiaan).

Special Features and programmes

Features of the MLEP at JPJC include specialised enrichment activities, leadership and management skills programmes, local and overseas immersion programmes, producing publications and work-shadowing in corporate firms.

MLEP students in JPJC will attend an overseas Immersion Programme where they learn more about the Malay community, and the challenges which the community faces pertaining to preservation of identity, culture and language.

Partners

In line with our mission to develop Malay scholars who are ‘Advocates of Humanitarian Values’, there is an emphasis on community partnership. Collaborations with the community is key in understanding the community as well as playing an important role as an active member of the community. JPJC MLEP collaborates with external organisations such as Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Malay Heritage Centre and Keat Hong Community Centre to develop the programmes.

J2 MLEP Graduation Showcase

The Graduation Showcase is an annual performance by the JC2 MLEP students. After an enriching year in MLEP, the showcase is a culmination of their involvement and experience. Led by students and supported by teachers, the showcase is a theatre performance, incorporating acting, singing and dancing. The performance is an important aspect of their appreciation of the Malay arts and culture.

A person speaks to a small group in a room with a projector screen displaying "Forum Theatre."

Exploring forum theatre for the 2023 graduation showcase

MOE Overseas Immersion Trip

Each year, MOE CPDD organises a MLEP Overseas Immersion Trip for all MLEP students from the five MLEP centres. Not only do they get the opportunity to delve deeper into Malay literature, language, and culture, but participating in a trip with other MLEP students provides holistic and enriching learning experiences, encompassing academic, cultural, and personal growth for our students.

A group of about 13 young women posing together in front of a Departure sign at an airport.

Sending our MLEP students for their immersion programme

A group of young people in red shirts and lanyards pose outdoors near gardens with green mountains behind them.

A picture with our host for the day

Other College-based MLEP enrichment programmes

Our MLEP students are exposed to a wide variety of weekly college-based activities such as song writing, creative writing, dikir barat as well as joint CLEP-MLEP enrichment programme, etc.

Eight people pose for a group photo in a classroom, with students in orange Jurong Pioneer Junior College shirts.

Song Writing Workshop with Mohamed Khair Mohamed Yasin

Students sit in a circle on a classroom floor holding hand drums during a music lesson with an instructor.

Introduction to Dikir Barat and Malay drums

J2 LEP Graduation Ceremony

Annually, a J2 LEP Graduation Ceremony is held to say goodbye to the graduating J2 MLEP class. During this event, they will receive a JPJC MLEP Portfolio as a symbol marking the conclusion of their rewarding journey.

Group of people posing in front of a screen displaying CLEP and MLEP JC2 Graduation Ceremony 2023.

Class of 2023-J2 MLEP Graduands

A student in a blue skirt speaks on stage before a projected slide reading CLEP and MLEP JC2 Graduation Ceremony 2023.

Our MLEP President reflects on their MLEP journey

Malay Heritage Centre Student Guides Programme

MLEP students attend the workshop with Malay Heritage Centre to prepare for their role as docents to the Malay Heritage Gallery. This programme aims to build confidence in interacting with the public and provide a good understanding of the Malay culture and heritage.

Students and trainers pose at the Malay Heritage Centre sign, and another group views a gallery exhibit indoors.

Windows of Work (WOW) by Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP)

Under the three-phase programme by Young AMP, MLEP students undergo useful training sessions like personality profiling, CV writing, personal grooming, effective communication, as well as project presentation skills, before working together in teams to pitch their own business proposals to the Young AMP Board of Management.

The Work Shadowing Programme gives our students the opportunity to be mentored by distinguished professionals, so that they could be guided to make good choices in Higher Education and future career.

Prior to the attachment, students attend workshops and are exposed to career developmental skills in both formal and informal creative settings.

Students in a workshop sitting in a circle with papers on the floor, and two students presenting in front of a projector screen.

MP Attachment

As part of community engagement, MLEP students were privileged to shadow the Grassroots Leader of Choa Chua Kang GRC during the Meet-the-Residents session. During the sessions, MLEP students were given the opportunity to witness and understand community issues better and know what it is like to be a leader of the community. Future collaborations with Keat Hong CC will extend their involvement in the community. This includes leadership training and activities that centre on Malay Language and Culture.

Such attachment opportunities aim to develop in our MLEP students’ leadership skills, broaden their worldview, and prepare them to be leaders of the community.

For Further Clarification

Please contact Subject Head, Language Elective Programme, Mrs Tan-Lim Soh Whee at tan-lim_soh_whee@moe.edu.sg or Senior Teacher, Mdm Siti Atiqah Punari at siti_atiqah_punari@moe.edu.sg.