KOTA KINABALU: The Confucius Institute (CI) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) hopes to have a deeper working relationship with the state Education Department in promoting Chinese language learning in local schools.

CI UMS director Prof Dr Low Kok On said at the moment, the institute offered free Level One Chinese language learning programmes at SMK Gadong, Beaufort.

“We will apply to the Sabah Education Department to allow us to promote the learning of han yu shui pin kao shi (HSK), a Chinese language course recognised internationally,” he said in a statement on Monday (Nov 21).

He said students with at least a level four HSK certificate have the opportunity to further their studies in China.

“That’s also why we plan to open up more Chinese language classes for other schools in Sabah,” he added.

He also paid a visit to state Education Director Datuk Tah Niah Jaman at her office on Monday.

Prof Low said apart from promoting Chinese language learning to more Sabahans, CI UMS will also help students apply for scholarships if they wish to further their studies in China.

CI UMS was established in 2019 with the aim of introducing the Chinese language and culture to interested parties in the state, and is open to all Sabahans regardless of age.