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Last Updated: 09 Dec 2022

Malay Language Elective Programme at the Pre-University Level (MLEP-JC)

This 2-year programme in selected junior colleges is for students with aptitude and keen interest in Malay language and literature. Learn about the programme and how to join.

The Malay Language Elective Programme at the Pre-University Level (MLEP-JC) was introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2001 and is a 2-year programme offered in selected junior colleges. It aims to:

  • Nurture promising students to attain a high level of language proficiency in Malay.
  • Enhance their understanding of Malay literature and culture.
  • Develop students to be effectively billingual to better serve the needs of our nation. 
MLEP-JC students will be awarded a certificate of recognition after they have completed the programme. Singapore Citizens may be eligible for the Malay Language Elective Scholarship (MLES).

Who can take it

Students who have obtained at least one of the following grades in the GCE O-Level examination:

  • Grade B3 in Higher Malay Language.
  • Grade B4 in Higher Malay Language and B3 in Literature in Malay (full or elective subject).
  • Grade A2 in Malay Language.

Students who can apply for admission to schools offering the MLEP-JC through the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE) or Direct School Admission for junior colleges (DSA-JC). Students who apply through JAE and are selected for MLEP-JC are eligible for 2 bonus points for admission to the respective schools. Students who are admitted to MLEP-JC are required to remain in the programme regardless of whether they had utilised the 2 MLEP-JC bonus points. Otherwise, they may be asked to leave the JC. 

Course content

All students enrolled in the MLEP-JC must offer H2 Malay Language and Literature (MLL) at A-Level. Students will also have the option to attend H3 MLL lessons as a non-examinable subject. They can subsequently choose to offer H3 MLL as an examinable subject if it is within the 12 AU cap for total examinable subjects at A-Level examination.

H2 MLL comprises:
  • Paper 1: Essay
  • Paper 2 (E-Exam): Comprehension and commentary.
  • Paper 3: Literature paper which requires students to study literature of various genres such as novel, short stories, poetry and drama.
H3 MLL comprises either of the following:
  • Paper with 2 components: creative writing and text analysis, including traditional texts.
  • Essay or project based on any of the topics set by a local university.

Supplementary materials will be provided to students with no foundation in Malay literature.

Programme activities

Students can participate in a wide range of activities such as overseas immersion trip, creative writing workshop, translation workshop, publication of students' works, literature camps, lecture series, forums, discussions and internships. 

Where to take it

The MLEP-JC is offered at:
  • Jurong Pioneer Junior College
  • National Junior College
  • Raffles Institution
  • Tampines Meridian Junior College
  • Yishun Innova Junior College