SINGAPORE – He may not be able to talk to animals, but Mr Haniman Boniran is using his knowledge of them to communicate and teach the Malay language to visitors of wildlife parks in Singapore.
The 42-year-old senior manager of education at park operator Mandai Wildlife Group translates all English language signs, e-posters and e-books to Malay at the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park.
He is one of six 2022 recipients of the Translation Talent Development Scheme launched four years ago by the National Translation Committee, which is under the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).
Selected recipients receive funding support of up to $10,000 to offset 90 per cent of the costs of their professional courses, seminars, and conferences, conducted locally or overseas.
With the funding, Mr Haniman, who has a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the Singapore Institute of Management, is studying part-time for a bachelor of arts in Malay language and literature at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
He currently specialises in scientific explanation of animal facts and Malay names for animal species on display at the parks, and has translated more than 500 animal signs, e-posters as well as children’s e-books.
He also plans, develops, and executes all Malay-language programmes conducted at the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders, and assists with collaterals requiring Malay translation for school engagements.
Mr Haniman partners the Ministry of Education and had collaborated with various pre-school operators to conduct Malay language workshops for early childhood educators. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he was conducting about 100 programmes for Malay students and teachers a year.
“Teachers often give the feedback that mother tongues are hard to teach and there is a lack of resources,” he said.
“Over here, we have a treasure trove of relatable and appropriate content to stir up and sustain the students’ and teachers’ interest.”
Ms Jocelyn Ang, a 30-year-old freelance photographer, videographer and translator with five years of experience, is another recipient of funding under the scheme.
