IN preparation for its language enrichment program, student organization Scarlet held a seminar last August 30 at the Velayo-Sycip Multipurpose Hall A to inform students on the importance of the Mandarin language in the business world.
In the seminar “Mandarin in the Corporate World,” Thomasian graduate and now a property investment consultant Richmond Lawrence Chua Yu said that knowing how to speak Mandarin, the most widely spoken language in the world, could serve as “a gateway to something better.”
Citing an HSBC report saying that China would surpass the United States of America as the world superpower in 2050, Yu said Mandarin could possibly be the future’s universal language.
Considering that, he said the “ongoing trend” of learning Mandarin is an advantage in the corporate world, because it builds one’s credibility, and impresses employers and clients.
“It gives you an edge since not everyone knows how to speak Mandarin as of now,” Yu said.
He added that regardless of the career, the language enables better interaction with one’s Mandarin-speaking clients, hence creating a bigger chance of landing an international job, such as in Singapore or Taiwan, and of receiving higher salary.
Recalling his experience, Yu, a pure Chinese, lost to a Filipino in getting a high-paying job abroad because the latter was better than him in speaking Mandarin.
Previously handled by the Scarlet Central, the Mandarin Language Enrichment Program is organized by the Scarlet Accountancy, Architecture, Commerce, Education, and Pharmacy units.
Mandarin 101 sessions for the basic level are scheduled on September 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Velayo-Sycip Multipurpose Hall A. Intermediate and advanced Mandarin 101 sessions will be scheduled in the second semester. Scarlet and non-Scarlet members are encouraged to join the program.
By Patricia Joyce V. Salarzon
