In this article, the head of a language school indicates a fundamental shift in perception that speaking English is good enough for doing global business.

Valentine Cawley, Head of Department, Linguaphone Language School, said: "Two years ago, we were carrying just four languages. Now we are teaching over 15 in tutorial classes. I think there has been awareness among Singaporeans that if they are going to communicate with the rest of the world, they do need specific language skills.

"In many of the countries they are going to, the take-up (rate) of English is not as good, and in business, it is best to speak the language of the person you are relating to. It is not only polite, but gives you a better change of signing that contract."