Many analysts and observers have predicted that the 21st Century will be the “Asian Century.” By 2030, Asia will account for 53 per cent of the world’s population, 50 per cent of the world’s GDP, 64 per cent of the global middle class, and over 40 per cent of global middle-class consumption.
China, in particular, has surged onto the world stage as its rising economic, political, and military strength continues to shape the Asia Pacific region and the world beyond.
It is no surprise that Asian language skills are becoming more vital than ever for businesses and governments. One of the most in-demand foreign languages is Mandarin Chinese. In 2014, there were over 100 million foreign speakers and learners of Mandarin around the world. This number is expected to increase as more and more businesses realize the untapped market opportunity beyond the big, cosmopolitan cities like Beijing and Shanghai – cities where English-language capability should not necessarily be taken for granted.
And as China continues to reduce the importance of English language education in its own schools, the need for Mandarin-speakers outside of China will grow even more.
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