Language: Human Capital Empowerment for Migrant Workers in the ASEAN Multicultural Society

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to examine how Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have contributed to the empowerment of migrant workers as human capital in multicultural ASEAN society. Data were collected through interviews as well as questionnaires. Research sites are as follows: In Thailand, Samut Sakhon Province; in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Jahor; and also in Singapore. The findings reveal that the social setting in which the migrant workers used language is an important factor. As for the workplace, the language used by migrant workers in Thailand include Thai, Burmese and Mon. In Malaysia, unskilled workers use mainly Malaysian, but also English, Chinese and Tamil, depending on the employer, and in Singapore, semi-skilled workers primarily use English. The use of Mandarin Chinese depends on the needs of the employer. Concerning educational institutions, Thai, Burmese, Mon and English are used in Thailand, English, Malaysian, Chinese and Tamil in Malaysia, and English. Chinese and the mother tongue of workers is used in Singapore. In Thailand, Thai and Burmese are used in government offices and public areas as well as some English. In Malaysia, English and Malaysian are used with Tamil, Hindi and Chinese also common, depending on the employer. In Singapore, they mainly used Tamil, and Hindi, but Chinese was also common, depending on the needs of the employer. In religious places, in Samut Sakhon, Thai temples use Thai, Mon, Burmese and Pali whereas in Malaysia and Singapore, Thai, English and Pali languages are more common in Thai temples. Concerning hospitals, Burmese-Thai interpreters are used in Thailand, and in Malaysia, English and Malaysian languages are preferred. In Singapore, doctors prefer English, but where there is a Thai nurse and doctor available, Thai is used.
Based on the results of the research, the following suggestions are made: stakeholders should collaborate to promote standardized interpretation services that are readily available as required. Thai students should be encouraged to study neighboring languages in ASEAN in order to serve as interpreters and translators on demand and compensated through a salary top-up. Migrant workers from the source country should be offered short-term orientation courses covering language, culture and basic regulations prior to commencing work in Thailand. The agencies concerned should train and harmonize the standard of services provided by Thai restaurant workers in Tom Yam Kung restaurants and in Thai spa and massage parlors, including classes in English conversation and in the languages of destination countries. The government should compile a database of Thai workers returning from other developed countries with a knowledge management system for developing work and language manuals that are available both offline and online.