We review all of our syllabuses regularly to make sure they continue to meet the needs of our schools. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials to improve how learners demonstrate their ability to understand and produce written and spoken texts in Malay. The changes help to standardise languages in our Cambridge IGCSE suite, making it easier for teachers to deliver more than one course.
These changes are for examination from 2022.
How has the syllabus changed?
The 2022 syllabus develops language proficiency at Level A2 with elements of B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).
We have:
- updated the vocabulary list
- revised the assessment objectives
- added the sub-skills learners are expected to develop to the syllabus content section.
For more information on the framework and language proficiency levels, visit the CEFR website.
How has the assessment changed?
- We have introduced a new component: Paper 1 Listening. This has multiple choice questions.
- Paper 2 Reading and Paper 4 Writing: the tasks have been updated.
- The Speaking test has been updated. Candidates will complete one role play and two topic conversations.
- The four components are of equal weight (25% each).
- We have made it clearer which sub-skills are assessed in each paper and have included these in the syllabus document.
- Updated assessment objectives now align with relevant CEFR level descriptors and ‘can do’ statements.
When do these changes take place?
The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2022 onwards. Please see the 2022 syllabus above for full details.
Coming soon
We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2022-2024 syllabus.
Support
We are developing a range of materials to help you teach the updated syllabus including:
- Scheme of work
- Learner guide
- Example Candidate Responses
- Guide to administering Cambridge IGCSE Listening exams
- Speaking test video.
These materials will be available from April 2020 onwards (before first teaching) through our School Support Hub
Endorsed resources
View the latest resources that are being developed for Cambridge IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language (0546).

Cambridge IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language (Collins)
The only published course to offer full and comprehensive coverage of the Cambridge IGCSE Malay as a Foreign Language syllabus. This new edition has been comprehensively revised and updated to support the revised curriculum.
Read more on the Collins website

Vocab Express - Cambridge IGCSE Malay (Collins)
Vocab Express is an online platform for schools that encourages students to learn foreign language vocabulary independently. This course is based on the vocabulary list for the Cambridge IGCSE Malay syllabus.
Read more on the Collins website