MLEP Programme

Find out how to join the Malay Language Elective Programme (MLEP) at secondary and junior college level, and what enrichment activities and scholarships are on offer.

Last updated 10 July 2026

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Malay Language Elective Programme at secondary level — overview, eligibility and incentives

INTRODUCTION, AIMS & VISION	Malay Language Elective Programme at Secondary Level (MLEP-Sec) was introduced by MOE for students with aptitude and keen interest in Malay language and literature. Currently there are three secondary schools offering MLEP. The MLEP programme was introduced in Tanjong Katong Secondary in 2020. This two-year programme aims to: nurture promising students to attain a high level of language proficiency in Malay enhance their understanding of Malay literature develop students to be effectively billingual to better serve the needs of our nation
ELIGIBILITY	Students who are in the EMAS programme are given the choice of continuing the programme at the Upper Secondary levels (Sec 3-4) or switch to MLEP at the Upper Secondary levels. Students who are not in the EMAS programme could enrol into the MLEP programme if they meet the entry criteria. Entry Criteria B3 grade in Higher Malay Language; or A2 grade in Malay Language Course Literature in Malay Language (pure or elective) as one of the subjects at GCE ‘O’ Level. Tanjong Katong Secondary School offers Literature in Malay Language as an elective subject.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES	In line with our aims to nurture promising students to attain a high level of language proficiency in Malay, ML Literature students will have the opportunities to participate in various programmes in Secondary 3 and Secondary 4 as follows: MOE CORE PROGRAMMES Secondary 3 EMAS Symposium Secondary 3 MTLEP Language and Literature Seminar Secondary 3 MLEP Language and Literature Camp Secondary 3 MLEP Overseas Immersion Programme Secondary 3 & 4 Dari Pena ke Panggung Dramatisation SCHOOL-BASED ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMES Secondary 3 Theatre Workshop Da Vinci 3+ Research Project (MLEP Scholars)
MLEP IN JUNIOR COLLEGES	Students may apply to the MLEP-JC through DSA or JAE. Colleges offering MLEP are as follows: Jurong Pioneer Junior College National Junior College Raffles Institution Tampines Meridian Junior College Yishun Innova Junior College Entry Criteria Applicants must have good overall results in GCE ‘O’ level Examination, obtaining at least: B3 grade in HML; or B4 grade in HML and B3 grade in Malay Literature (Pure or Elective); or A2 grade in Malay Language.
PROGRAMME INCENTIVES	Bonus Points Students who are successful for the MLEP will enjoy two bonus points for admission to the junior college offering the programme. Mother Tongue Language Elective Scholarship (MTLES) The Mother Tongue Language Elective Scholarships (MTLES) may be offered to MLEP students to encourage academically able and linguistically talented students to pursue Mother Tongue Languages and Malay Literature. The Ministry of Education will award scholarship to short-listed MLEP students who meet the given criteria and cleared the scholarship interview.