Yingtao Lang brings heart, insight, and over a decade of experience to her role as Primary Principal of the Chinese-English bilingual programme at the Canadian International School (CIS). Here, she shares what truly matters when choosing a bilingual education.


What do you think is the most important factor in bilingual education?

The most important factor in bilingual education is cultivating a learning environment where students feel engaged, empowered, and intrinsically motivated to grow as confident communicators.

An effective bilingual programme sparks curiosity, creativity, open-mindedness, and intercultural understanding through experiential learning opportunities. Research suggests that speaking a language without understanding its culture has very little real-world value. In our curriculum, we purposefully integrate language acquisition with culture, values, and history to promote authentic communication, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement.

What should parents consider when choosing a bilingual programme?

Parents should ask themselves: Is the programme developing a bilingual learner, or simply providing language exposure? The difference is critical.

There are many bilingual programmes available in Singapore, but not all of them are created equal. When choosing a bilingual programme, it’s important to seek out well-established programmes grounded in a carefully designed, research-based framework where students are taught to navigate the world with agility, to think across cultures, and to communicate with confidence.

At CIS, while all students benefit from daily language acquisition in Chinese or French, our Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes go further by integrating both languages across key curriculum areas, such as mathematics, social studies, and science. Using our trusted 50:50 model, we ensure English and Chinese learning are valued equally and taught to a high standard.

With this approach in place, students gain dual cognitive frameworks. They learn to toggle between perspectives and synthesise across cultures. The best outcome of all is the ability to speak two languages fluently and to think differently because of them.

What inspired you to work in education?

I’ve always believed that education can do so much more than teach facts. It has the power to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors for every learner. That’s what drew me in. I’m passionate about helping children discover their potential and grow into compassionate, capable individuals who want to make a difference.

Language has always been a big part of that for me. I see language as more than communication but a way of thinking, connecting, and making sense of the world around us. Supporting students to become bilingual, biliteral and bicultural learners is one of the best ways to prepare them to thrive in an interconnected world.

What is the best part of being a principal?

From the excitement of seeing kids discover their potential to watching teachers evolve and innovate teaching and learning, and feeling the Husky spirit buzzing throughout our community. Each day brings a chance to connect, celebrate growth, and help create a supportive school community where everyone feels valued and inspired.

After more than a decade at CIS, it’s amazing to see how our 35-year heritage lives on in every student and family we serve. Being part of that ongoing story is what makes this role so meaningful and rewarding. 

Exciting news!

As CIS celebrates its 35th anniversary, the next step in the school’s leadership as language experts is the launch of the CIS Bilingual Hub. The Hub is designed to advance curriculum development, elevate teaching practice, and enhance student learning across languages and cultures.

For your child, this means a bilingual education that doesn’t stand still: it will continue to grow, adapt to global trends, and give them the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.