SINGAPORE: A new interactive learning trail in Chinatown aims to offer students a fun way to learn about Chinese language and culture.

Using specially—programmed mobile phones, students can participate in Chinese language games at seven locations.

They assume roles such as the samsui woman and rickshaw puller to get a sense of what Chinatown was like in the 1900s.

The Interactive Learning Trail at Chinatown was developed by the Ministry of Education, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore and operated by iCell Network.

"Last time, our teacher will just bring us around and just tell us. This makes it very ’dry’," said Ng Syn Kae, a student from Victoria School. "But now, it’s much more interesting because we get to go around the places to answer the questions."

The learning trail was launched by Senior Minister of State for Education, Grace Fu, who hopes the interactive nature of the trail will be effective in teaching Chinese.

"Through the playing of games as well as actually seeing the sight and sound of the area, that we hope to make the learning more real, and therefore more effective," Ms Fu said. "So it’s really through a very light—hearted as well as interactive way for them to learn not just Chinese, but also culture and values as well."

Ms Fu also commented on the recent announcement in the Budget Statement to raise foreign worker levies.

She said the construction industry has been kept in the loop about the changes.

"We have been having discussion with the construction industry, not just after the announcement, prior to that, there have already been discussions," Ms Fu said. "So it’s not coming as a surprise to them. Of course there’s a lot of work to be done going forward and they will look forward to our announcement."